Pittsburgh Pirates: 2021 Infield & Catcher Player Grades
By Cody Flavell
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Frumbunter-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F14989193-850x560-6a7ffe37518776299024b6edb924e1c9.jpg)
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.