Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Players Earning a Promotion to Altoona

Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Nick Gonzales (81) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports
Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Nick Gonzales (81) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports /
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Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Nick Gonzales (81) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports
Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Nick Gonzales (81) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports /

Second baseman Nick Gonzales

When the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Nick Gonzales 7th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft he was viewed as a player who could limb through the minor leagues quickly. This was shown when the Pirates surpassed Low-A with Gonzales sending him straight to High-A to start this season.

Like Peguero, Gonzales had an injury earlier in the season. Gonzales missed over a month due to a finger issues. Again, like Peguero, if not for this injury Gonzales may already be playing for the Curve. That said, it’s time for Gonzales to be promoted to Double-A.

Entering play on Tuesday, Gonzales had accumulated 194 PAs at High-A this season. In these 194 PAs Gonzales has hit for a .270/.345/.454 slash line to go with a .184 ISO and a wRC+ of 117. He has hit 6 home runs to go with 10 doubles and a pair of triples for an extra base hit rate of 9.7%.

Coming out of the draft Gonzales was viewed as a plus contact hitter with strong on-base skills. Like Peguero, if Gonzales can continue to develop his power he can develop into a plus hitter in the Major Leagues when he arrives.

Next. Jared Jones a Prospect on the Rise. dark

As an advanced college hitter Gonzales has always possessed the tools needed to be successful in the upper minor leagues. Now it’s time for the Pittsburgh Pirates to see what Gonzales can do at the Double-A level.