Pirates Select Georgia Tech Outfielder Tres Gonzalez in Fifth Round

In the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft, the Pirates selected Georgia Tech outfielder Tres Gonzalez with the 140th pick. Gonzalez checks in as the 138th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline. Pick No. 140 comes with a slot value of $414,300.

Gonzalez is a pure hitter as seen by his .339 batting average with the Yellow Jackets this season. The left-handed hitting Gonzalez posted a .458 on-base percentage with 14 doubles, one triple, five homers and 57 RBIs. He only struck out 27 times in 290 plate appearances (9.3% strikeout rate).

In the Cape Cod League last summer, Gonzalez hit .331 with eight steals in 32 games. Since taking over as Pirates general manager, Ben Cherington has been attracted to players who perform well in the CCL, and Gonzalez impressed.

Gonzalez is more hit over power, but possess some of the bat-to-ball skills in this year’s class according to Pipeline. He’s a plus-runner and an above-average defender, but has a below-average arm.

Gonzalez was named to the All-ACC Second Team this past season with Georgia Tech. He was previously drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 37th round in 2019, but chose to honor his commitment to the Yellow Jackets.

The Pirates began day two of the MLB Draft by selecting two-way player Jack Brannigan in the third round and prep lefty Michael Kennedy in round four.

Day two of the 2022 MLB Draft continues through round 10.