Pittsburgh Pirates: An Interview with Seventh Overall Pick Nick Gonzales

The Pittsburgh Pirates new Front Office invested their first-round pick on a high upside infielder.  Let’s get to know the seventh overall selection of the 2020 MLB Draft.

There was a lot of hope that when the Pittsburgh Pirates hired Ben Cherington that the organization would get better results from their drafts.  The new Front Office is already off to a good start.

Cherington was able to land one of the most gifted hitters in the draft class with the seventh pick. They selected New Mexico State infielder Nick Gonzales, who at one point looked to be a lock as a top five pick.  However, with the quirky year, things fell perfectly for the Bucs.  There were also some teams like the Orioles (picking second) and Marlins (picking third) who selected players that were expected to go in the 5-10 range.

It really worked out for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Other than first overall pick Spencer Torkelson, Gonzales might be the most complete hitter in the draft.  He has great hands, very good discipline, and good power (12 home runs in 16 games).  Nick was nice enough to take time and tell me about himself and what has led him to this point in his career:

1. What were your initial thoughts when hearing your name called to the Pittsburgh Pirates at the seventh overall pick?

"My initial thoughts were wearing the black and gold like Cutch did.  I remembered wearing a black and gold arm sleeve when I was growing up because of Cutch.  I was so relieved to be done with waiting and ready to get going!"

2. Tell us a little about your predraft process with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Did you know there was a good chance you would not make it past them?

"Throughout the process, there were many different teams I had conversations with, including the Pirates. I really enjoyed their staff and had some great zoom meetings with them.  I knew that it was a great place!"

3. Everyone who has read the scouting reports or watched you knows that you are an extremely good hitter.  What has led to that?

"I think the constant preparation and work I have put into hitting has helped throughout the way, as well as my incredible hitting coaches along the way."

4. What is a part of your game do you think people underestimate and why?

"I think my defense and power is a little underestimated but with the constant work and coaching, I will be able to get better on all aspects of the game."

5.  Outside of baseball, what do you like to do in your free time?

"I really enjoy watching movies and reading books.  I have been into video games a little more now because of the quarantine.  I enjoy every Marvel movie and show!"

6. Anything you would like the fans of Pittsburgh Pirates to know about you or is there anything you would like to say to them?

"I’m looking forward to wearing the black and gold!  I can not wait to get on the field and show my passion and drive for this game!  Thank you!"

I would like to once again thank Nick for taking the time to let fans know a little about himself.  Hopefully, he can get into the organization and get on the fast track toward the majors.  Gonzales definitely is a big part of the Pittsburgh Pirates future.