One of the more advanced hitters I saw in the system last year was outfielder Tres Gonzales.
Drafted in the fifth round out of Georgia Tech in 2022, Gonzales spent most of last season in High-A Greensboro. Across 449 plate appearances, he posted a .400 on-base percentage — fueled by a .287 average and a 14.5% walk rate. He also hit for a bit of power and had 22 steals on the bases.
The power results slightly ticking up in his first full season represents a bit of a change from the always patient hitter. After entering pro ball, Gonzales started taking more aggressive swings in hitter-friendly counts. He’s learned when to anticipate the fastball, and how to be ready to do damage.
“I think that’s kind of changed from college to here, just kind of really taking advantage of those hitter friendly counts and being able to get extra base hits out of those,” said Gonzales of his development at the plate.
Gonzales played under manager Robby Hammock last year, and both moved up in their roles to Altoona this year. Hammock emphasized in Greensboro the importance of players being on time for the fastball, which is something that clicked with Gonzales.
“Over the course of the season, me and everybody else in this lineup as well, have just gotten better at being on time for fastballs, and better hitter-friendly counts,” said Gonzales. “We kind of take advantage of that and take good swings in those counts as well.”
Hammock praised the advanced hitting approach from Gonzales when I spoke with him at the end of last season in Greensboro.
“He’s just steady as they come, man,” said Hammock. “He’s slow and early and has great pitch recognition, and stays within himself. Just doesn’t try and do too much. It’s awesome to watch.”
Hammock said at the time that Gonzales had upper-level type of player written all over him. Pirates farm director John Baker pointed out that Gonzales comes from parents who were both tennis players, which may have helped his individual growth and competitive approach, even prior to joining the Pirates.
“He came into professional baseball just extremely polished,” said Baker. “Professional at bats. Not a ton of flash. Always gonna play good defense. Always gonna put up a professional at-bat. Line drives to the middle of the field. Good contact skills, good awareness of the strike zone. Fun one to work with, because, no matter what he’s just consistent.”
Baker pointed out that in minor league baseball, the focus is on elite performance and flashes, with consistency being the biggest thing that wavers. He noted that Gonzales has been consistent from day one, which is shown by his .400+ on-base percentage in his young pro career.
Gonzales will be a sleeper to watch in a loaded Altoona prospect group. He’s got the potential at the plate to eventually hit at the Major League level. The upside isn’t huge to where you could dream about anything more than an average starter who isn’t flashy. The more likely outcome is that Gonzales develops into a 40-45 grade bat with value off the bench for his hitting, on-base skills, and his defense at all three outfield spots.
THIS WEEK ON PIRATES PROSPECTS
Last week’s premium article drop looked at the top 50 prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates system. This week looks at five hitters who can grade inside the top 30, plus a look at the path from rookie ball to the majors.
**Williams: The Path From Rookie Ball to the Major Leagues
In this subscriber-exclusive column, I give my view of the journey from Rookie Ball to the Major Leagues, and the elements that every player deals with along the way.
**Jack Brannigan is the Next Gold Glove Quality Third Baseman in the Pirates System
The Pirates have Gold Glove third basemen in Ke’Bryan Hayes and Jared Triolo. They’ve got another candidate in the system in power hitter Jack Brannigan.
**Mitch Jebb Brings Elite Speed and Swing Decisions to Greensboro
With so many three-true-outcome approaches in pro ball, 2023 second round pick Mitch Jebb brings a refreshing style of contact, speed, and hustle.
**Jase Bowen Has a Power/Speed/Defense Combo to Dream Upon
Following a 20-20 season in Greensboro, and with the ability to play center field or first base, Jase Bowen is a prospect with a lot of upside to dream upon.
**Tres Gonzales Brings Advanced Hitting Approach to Altoona – READING
One of the most advanced hitters I watched last year was Tres Gonzales. His approach isn’t flashy, but he gets the job done with contact, on-base skills, and a bit of power.
**Rodolfo Nolasco Has Huge Power and Huge Swing and Miss
Some of the best raw power in the system belongs to Rodolfo Nolasco. He showed that with 20 homers in Single-A in 2023. He’ll need to improve the swing and miss to repeat at the higher levels.
