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Who Should Be Called Up First: Ji Hwan Bae or Nick Gonzales?
By Baron Dionis
The Pittsburgh Pirates offense has struggled to begin the season. Through 26 games, the Pirates rank 19th in batting average, sixth in strikeouts, and 24th in home runs. Many blame Andy Haines for this, which could result in a new hitting coach next season. In Triple-A, the Pirates have two former top prospects who are hitting the ball very well to begin the season in Ji Hwan Bae and Nick Gonzales.
Ji Hwan Bae began the season on the injured list with a strain of the left hip muscle. After a rehab assignment, Bae was optioned to the Indianapolis Indians and has been a very hot hitter there. Through 10 games, Bae has a batting average of .378 with two home runs and four runs batted in. He also has an OPS of 1.068, which includes an on-base percentage of .500 and a slugging percentage of .568.
Last season, Nick Gonzales was the Pirates fifth best prospect before playing enough games in Pittsburgh to graduate from the MLB Pipeline rankings. Gonzales struggled in his rookie season, but he is off to a great start with Indianapolis. Through 22 games, Gonzales has a .385 batting average with two home runs and 13 runs batted in. He also has an OPS of 1.027, which includes an on-base percentage of .434 and a slugging percentage of .593. Gonzales also has 11 doubles this season.
Both players have different abilities that can help the team win. Bae is very fast and can play both the outfield and infield. His speed could steal many bases, resulting in more runs being scored. Gonzales has more power and better defense at second base. The power numbers would be a difference-maker in the Pirates lineup. Gonzales also has played in 12 more games than Bae this season, which makes his numbers more impressive.
Despite both of them being hot at the plate, the Pirates do not have the roster space to add them both. The roster is currently full, but there are a few names that could be sent down for one of these two. Jared Triolo has been playing very good defense at second base, but his bat has not been what it was last year. Alika Williams has been a pleasant surprise for the Pirates as a middle infielder. Those two both have minor-league options, allowing them to be sent down.
The Pirates could improve their roster with the addition of one of these two, but finding room is difficult. Let's see if both can stay consistent in Indianapolis and potentially join the team in Pittsburgh.