Nick Gonzales

Gonzales has shown varying skills profiles as a pro, running a very high strikeout rate while selling out for power as he climbed through the minors. That has shifted 180 degrees since he's reached the majors, as he's maintained and 18.5 percent strikeout rate, yet hit only 12 home runs across 795 plate appearances combined in the last two seasons. He's been a slightly below-average to average hitter in the most important power metrics such as exit velocity and barrels, though his production has only been stifled further by a high groundball rate. As things stand, he's cut his strikeout rate enough to hit for a decent average but with otherwise very limited upside, particularly given the context of a poor Pirates' lineup. Assuming he gets everyday playing time, Gonzales is a mediocre middle infield option in 15-team formats and is passable in all NL-only leagues. However, his fit in the current iteration of the Pirates' lineup is unclear, as Brandon Lowe is slated to be the primary second baseman while Konnor Griffin is lurking at shortstop. Read Past Outlooks