Pirates Prospect Watch: Nick Gonzales Off To Hot Start In AFL

Nick Gonzales is one of eight Pittsburgh Pirates’ prospects participating in the Arizona Fall League and things are going well at the plate for the 23-year-old in his home state.

Through four games, Gonzales has six hits in 14 at-bats (.455 batting average). He owns a 1.185 OPS and has stroked a pair of doubles and a triple.

The 2020 first-rounder has driven in six runs which is the third-most in the league.

Defensively, Gonzales has played two games each at second base and shortstop.

Part of the reason Gonzales is competing in the AFL this fall is to make up for lost time during the regular season.

Gonzales missed about two months of the season with a heel injury.

When he did play, Gonzales had a solid year. In 71 games with Double-A Altoona, Gonzales posted an .812 OPS with 20 doubles and seven home runs.

Gonzales checks in as the Pirates’ fifth-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline and the 93rd ranked prospect in the sport.

The Bucs selected Gonzales with the seventh pick in the 2020 draft out of New Mexico State University.