2B Gonzales forcing team to take notice
Team’s first-round pick in 2020 among best hitters in Triple-A
Nick Gonzales knew better than to ignore his struggles from last season. As is the case for most rookies, he struggled in his first go-around against big-league pitching, hitting .209 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 35 games with the Pirates in 2023.
A first round pick in 2020, Gonzales understood his standing in the organization. With a plethora of big-league-ready middle infielders hovering between the majors and Triple-A, he knew his separating factor would be what he could provide at the plate.
For the first time in years, the Pirates expressed true intentions of competing in 2024. And after an offseason filled with adjustments, the 24-yearold has made a strong case over the first month of the season that he can help contribute toward that goal.
While Derek Shelton’s club has been struggling to generate offense, Gonzales has dominated opposing pitchers in TripleA Indianapolis. Heading into Saturday, he led the International League in hits (35), doubles (11) and BABIP (.458). He also ranked second in batting average (.385) and third in runs scored (22).
“It’s off to a good start so far,” Gonzales told the Post-Gazette following a game earlier this month. “I’m just trying to keep it going.”
Although Gonzales had consistently hit well at each level of the minor leagues, strikeouts were always a problem. Last offseason, he adjusted his swing, hoping the tweaks could allow him to stay through the strike zone a bit longer. So far, the results are positive.
In 22 games this season, Gonzales’ strikeout rate has dropped to 17.2%, more than 10 points percentage points lower than his career rate of 27.3% as a minor leaguer. Less swing and miss has led to better contact.
Gonzales entered Saturday with 14 extra-base hits and a 1.027 OPS, which both rank in the top eight in the International League. That type of production has caught the attention of many, including his general manager.
“I think a big part of it is that he’s always been a good hitter,” GM Ben Cherington said Wednesday. “He’s performed as a hitter everywhere he’s ever been. Even where there have been elements that he wanted to improve upon, it’s still added up to good production everywhere he’s ever been — college, every level of the minor leagues. So, to some extent, it’s not surprising that he continues to perform. It has taken another step through the first month and he’s made some intentional adjustments, coming from the major leagues last year and learning from that.”
As Cherington noted, Gonzales’ success against minor league pitching is not a surprise. But the general manager noted that the offseason adjustments could perhaps put him in position to be more productive whenever his second call to the big leagues occurs.
“I think it gets back to the work he’s done and understanding how his swing works against more advanced pitching,” Cherington said. “More advanced pitching is going to not only be better, but it’s also going to game plan better and differently and look for places to attack and he’ll learn that. He’s taken that and made adjustments and understanding how his swing can work. Just getting him more pitches, basically. Simple as that. That has turned into really good production.”
While Jared Triolo has been solid as the Pirates everyday second baseman and Alika Williams produced in his utility role, Gonzales must continue to wait for his next opportunity in the show. For now, the best route could be for him to continue getting consistent at-bats until an opening occurs in the Pirates infield.
The wait will undoubtedly be taxing, and perhaps frustrating. But Gonzales knows better than to rush the process. He understands his time will come, and the best thing he can do is to ensure he’ll be ready for that moment.
“You don’t ever have to push him or tell him anything,” Indians manager Miguel Perez said. “He’s a fast learner and a hard worker. That’s what he does. He’s very respectful and he’s going to show up every day.”
“I’m just trying to keep going,” Gonzales added. “Keep my head down and keep working hard.”