Max Moroff Improves His Outlook

Best Player

Second baseman Max Moroff followed a breakout season in 2015 at Double-A Altoona with a disappointing 2016 at Triple-A Indianapolis.

Sent back to Indianapolis to begin this season, the switch-hitting Moroff put up such big numbers that he forced his way to the major leagues after receiving a two-game cameo in Pittsburgh last season.

The 24-year-old batted .269/.385/.569 with 13 home runs in 42 games before being promoted on June 2. The Pirates drafted Moroff in the 16th round in 2012 from Trinity Prep in Winter Park, Fla., and lured him away from a scholarship to Central Florida with a $300,000 bonus.

“As a high school bat, we felt it would probably take some time for Max’s offense to develop,” assistant general manager Kyle Stark said. “He wasn’t happy with the season he had last year and worked hard in the offseason. He came to spring training really ready to go.”

Prior to this season, Moroff projected as a utility infielder with his ability to play second base, third base and shortstop. However, it’s now plausible to think Moroff could replace second baseman Josh Harrison when the veteran’s contract expires after the 2018 season.

Biggest Leap Forward

Outfielder Jordan Luplow has had his ups and down since being drafted in the third round in 2014 from Fresno State. He won the Western Athletic Conference player of the year award that season.

However, everything has been positive this season at Altoona for the 23-year-old left fielder. Luplow already had a career-high 16 home runs through 71 games to go with a .291/.371/.547 batting line.

Last year, Luplow hit just .254/.363/.421 in 104 games at high Class A Bradenton and showed bad body language at times.

“We talked with Jordan at the end of last season about rekindling his passion for the game, having fun playing baseball again,” Stark said. “He has done that this season. It’s made a difference.”