Pittsburgh Pirates: 2021 Infield & Catcher Player Grades

Sep 26, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Colin Moran (19) celebrates with catcher Jacob Stallings (58) and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Colin Moran (19) celebrates with catcher Jacob Stallings (58) and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 25: Erik Gonzalez #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 25, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 25: Erik Gonzalez #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 25, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Erik Gonzalez

GRADE: F

2021 Stats: 71 games, .232/.258/.300, 2 home runs, 21 RBI, -0.4 WAR

Erik Gonzalez found himself lost in the shuffle this season. The Pittsburgh Pirates have a ton of middle infielders on both the current roster and among their top prospects. He doesn’t figure to be too involved going forward.

He missed a chunk of time with an injury that sent him to the 60-day IL. Gonzalez played 14 games in Triple-A on a rehab assignment and batted .140 with four RBI in 14 games.

There isn’t much to discuss with Gonzalez. He is 30-years old and didn’t have a strong season. While he is pretty smooth with the glove, the Pirates have enough defensive prowess amongst their middle infielders. Guys like former first-rounder Cole Tucker and, eventually, Oneil Cruz deserve that playing time. Gonzalez doesn’t serve much purpose to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022.

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