Forming the best possible second half lineup for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Second Base: Nick Gonzales

Nick Gonzales was Ben Cherington's very first draft pick. Selected seventh overall in the 2020 draft, Gonzales debuted last year, but struggled in his first cup of coffee. Since returning to the big leagues this year, he's looked like a different batter, and could potentially be this team's long-term second baseman.

Gonzales is hitting .273/.312/.414 on the year. While he's walking at a sub-5% rate, he's cut his K% down significantly from last year. In 2023, he struck out 28.1% of the time. Now, he's only striking out in 23.1% of his plate appearances. Gonzales has hit five homers with a .141 isolated slugging percentage. He's made quality contact at a high rate as well, with a 10.5% barrel rate. Overall, Nicky G has a .312 wOBA and 100 wRC+.

Gonzales' defense up the middle has been spectacular. He has +5 outs above average, which is the sixth-most of any second baseman and ranks in the 91st percentile. Gonzales has also played a few games at shortstop and third base, but with 22nd-percentile arm strength, he plays best at second base. Plus, with how good he has been at the keystone, why would you want to play him anywhere else?

Gonzales has earned the right to get an extended look in the big leagues this year. He's fallen into a slump recently, but overall, he's been a solid batter, a great fielder, and a fast base runner. He's potentially someone the Pirates can rely on for years to come.