MIAMI – Nick Gonzales has been swinging the bat well in Triple-A. This month, the Pirates first rounder from the 2020 draft had a .270/.440/.460 line with Indianapolis. That was enough for the Pirates to call him up prior to Friday’s game.
“I think we’ve talked about when we think guys are at the point where they’re ready or close to being ready that we’re going to bring them to the big leagues if we have an opportunity,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “I think right now we have an opportunity to get him some at-bats.”
The Pirates have seen struggles from their entire offense lately, as Anthony Murphy detailed today. Second base is no exception to those struggles, with Rodolfo Castro having issues all month.
Gonzales, meanwhile, has been working on adjustments with the hitting coaches in Indianapolis.
“We’ve been working on just hitting the ball hard, being more selective early in the count,” said Gonzales. “Trying to find a pitch I can drive and stick with that approach, whatever it is based on the pitcher that day.”
The selective approach early in the count is definitely working. Gonzales had an astronomical 20% walk rate this month, along with a reasonable 21% strikeout rate to go with his power and on-base skills. The aggressive approach early isn’t leading to that batting title profile that Gonzales had from scouts when he was drafted. It is leading to a player who is looking like he could be an above-average starter in the majors.
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The Pirates get a bit of a reset with their versatility, adding another infield option to a middle infield that is defensively weak right now. Gonzales can also improve the defense.
Gonzales is the second former first rounder the Pirates have called up this week. They called up 2021 first overall pick Henry Davis for his debut this week. The team has also called up Carmen Mlodzinski recently, who was taken with a Compensation Pick after the first round in 2020. Gonzales and Mlodzinski now give the Pirates their top two picks from the 2020 draft in the big leagues — joining Davis from 2021.
“It’s really exciting to see those guys here and to know that we’re so close,” said Gonzales. “To be here now is a dream come true.”
