The Pirates drafted New Mexico State infielder Nick Gonzales with the No. 7 overall pick in the MLB draft on Wednesday night.
Gonzales hit .399 with 37 home runs in his three years with the Aggies. He also hit .351 with seven home runs in the Cape Cod League and was named the MVP in 2019.
Gonzales slashed .432/.532/.733 as a sophomore and switched from second base to shortstop as a junior. That line led the nation and earned him All-American honors. Gonzales is a bit undersized at 5-10, 190 pounds, but scouts love his makeup.
As a second baseman, Gonzales would profile as an elite hitter. It also might make sense because the Pirates have ample talent at shortstop.
Some of the things that make Gonzales a strong hitter are hit bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline, leading to one comparison to Dustin Pedroia.
Before his junior season was disrupted, Gonzales had 12 home runs in 82 plate appearances.
One plus to the Pirates selecting Gonzales is that he should likely travel a short path to the majors. He's viewed as being an advanced prospect, one that could move through the minor leagues at a solid pace.
Gonzales was actually a walk-on at New Mexico State and molded himself into a top pick.
