Nick Gonzales proving to be another Pirates' success story

The 25-year-old struggled after debuting in 2023, producing a .209 batting average with two home runs and 13 RBI in 35 games. 

He started the 2024 season in Triple-A, where he was red-hot before being promoted to the majors. In 30 games, he had a .358/.431/.608 slash line with 20 extra-base hits and 19 RBI.

Gonzales put up video game-like numbers at New Mexico State University, batting .399/.502/.747 with 37 home runs and 152 RBI in 128 games played in his college career before being selected by the Pirates in the first round. 

With Gonzales bursting onto the scene, he gives the Pirates another piece to add to their bright future, along with shortstop Oneil Cruz and pitchers Paul Skenes and Jared Jones.

While the Pirates are seven games out of first place in the National League Central, they are only a game out of a wild-card spot in a wide-open National League.

Having one of MLB's most underrated pitching staffs, the Pirates will have a fighting chance to make a run at the postseason if the offense can produce when needed. 

Gonzales appears to have a stranglehold on second base and will look to add to his promising numbers during his 2024 campaign and for years to come in Pittsburgh.