Could Rangers, Pirates link up on a Mitch Moreland trade?
The situation faced by the Texas Rangers regarding first baseman Mitch Moreland is tough. The 30-year-old had a productive 2015 for the AL West division champions, hitting .278/.330/.482 with 23 home runs, 85 RBI and a 2.2 WAR, the highest such mark of his career to date.
And yet, he may very well find himself on a new club before the 2016 season begins. That club just may be the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are in the market for a slugging first baseman after cutting ties with Pedro Alvarez last week.
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Moreland may as well be considered the 'Most Desired Ranger' at the moment, and the Pirates may be interested in acquiring him. From the Rangers' standpoint, trading him away would give Texas some flexibility they could use to re-sign Mike Napoli:
With the Winter Meetings taking place this week, GM Jon Daniels just may field a ton of questions regarding Moreland from clubs seeking an offensively-minded first baseman from the left side, which could definitely affect the trade market in the coming weeks.
If there is a Most Desired Ranger on the market, it is first baseman Mitch Moreland, with Pittsburgh as the most aggressive suitor. The Pirates nontendered Pedro Alvarez last week, leaving an opening for a left-handed hitting first baseman. Trading Moreland to Pittsburgh would create financial resources to re-sign Mike Napoli, which would then also better balance the lineup. The question is whether there is a realistic trade fit with the Pirates, or if the clubs might have to involve a third team in talks..
