Even though several players did not perform well for the Angels while under contract, it is encouraging to see some of them continue their careers elsewhere.
That is the case with Brian Moran, 36. After spending the whole 2022 season with the Angels organization (primarily at AAA Salt Lake), Moran signed with the Atlanta Braves prior to the 2023 season. He recently re-signed with the Braves for his third consecutive season, despite not seeing any MLB action in that time. His minor league contract includes an invitation to the major league camp.
Moran’s career with the Angels was not particularly impactful, to say the least. In actuality, he only appeared once for the Halos in 2022. He made one out, allowed three hits, two runs, one home run, and issued an intentional walk. So, yeah…not good. His Angels have an ERA of 54.00 and a WHIP of 12.00. Despite the fact that the altitude in Salt Lake City is a pitcher’s worst nightmare, he put up outstanding numbers that season. Moran had a 4.07 ERA in 45 games with the Bees, striking out 52 in 48.2 innings. He put up amazing numbers for AAA Gwinnett in 2023, but had a terrible 2024, including a couple trips on the Development List. Atlanta’s front management and coaching staff clearly appreciate what he brings to the table.
The left-handed sidewinder possesses one of the most unique arsenals you’ll see. Most left-handed pitchers with an 8° arm angle produce extreme arm-side run with their four-seam/sinker or two-seam/changeup. Not Moran, however. His four-seam cuts resulted from his sidearm release. It’s a four-seam that cuts, not a cutter. That is hardly his most successful pitch. He uses his massive, looping sweeper for swing-and-misses. He frequently dips into his upper-60s, lower 70s sweeper range to keep batters off balance and produce chases outside the zone. His repertoire is really more difficult for right-handed batters than left-handed hitters, even if his arm angle makes it nearly impossible for left-handed hitters to see the ball being launched. In addition, despite having a mid-80s four-seam fastball, he has a high strikeout rate. He is truly a one-of-one pitcher.
Brian Moran is Colin Moran’s brother, the nephew of Rick Surhoff, and the nephew of B.J. Surhoff. He pitched at the University of North Carolina before being selected in the seventh round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft by the Seattle Mariners. He made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2019, pitching 10 innings in 15 games across the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Actually, the Marlins dismissed Moran following the 2019 season, the Blue Jays signed him prior to the 2020 season, DFA’d him, and the Marlins claimed him to bring him back. He’s had a fascinating career, and there’s more to come!
