Infielder Nick Gonzales
Nick Gonzales was selected 7th overall by the Pirates in the 2002 MLB Draft. He was the first player drafted by Ben Cherington as general manager of the Pirates. However, his future in Pittsburgh is a big debate.
The Pirate 40-man roster is filled with middle infielders. Oneil Cruz is set to return next season and will be the team's starting shortstop. At second base, Liover Peguero and Jared Triolo both appear to be ahead of Gonzales.
Last season, Gonzales had 128 plate appearances in 35 games. In his first taste of MLB action he hit for a .209/.268/.348 slash line with a 64 wRC+, 67 OPS+, and a .139 isolated slugging (ISO). He walked at just a 4.7% clip while striking out in 28.1% of his trips to the plate.
While Gonzales had some struggles in his first taste of MLB pitching, he is a former top-10 pick who can play second base, third base, and shortstop. He has plus power potential and flashed some good things in the majors this season. With an uncertian future in Pittsburgh for Gonzales, using him as a trade piece could make sense. He is a player who could potentially help net bullpen help on the trade market, or perhaps a young starting pitching prospect.