Colin Moran (3B, PIT) - Week 4 Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 12% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Colin Moran was the key return from the Gerrit Cole deal for the Pirates and while underwhelming regarding the trade, offers an exciting play in fantasy. In a limited 17 game cup of coffee for the Astros last year, Moran demonstrated a good awareness of the strike zone with a low 8.3 K% and posted a .818 SLG. Owners cannot rely on small sample size, but the performance shows a relatively high floor even if the ceiling is also not much higher. So far in 17 games with the Pirates Moran has seen the K rate shoot to a still manageable 18% showing the signs of a carryover of the plate profile. Besides, some limited power with only one home run should improve with Moran posting a career-high 37.8 FB% so far.

Looking at Moran's contact, the profile is compelling with 42.2 Hard% considering the cold weather in the midwest. Moran is also hitting the ball to the opposite field at a 44.4% clip with a 40 point drop in Pull% from last year. For a young hitter this seems to be a projectable start, and an interesting case overall. Do not expect the power to emerge with the everyday third baseman but the .291 should continue. Looking for a short-term replacement for Josh Donaldson or Justin Turner who will not be a negative on your roster? Look no further than Moran.