Position: OF
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Born: 10/04/2000
College: Georgia Institute of Technology
How Acquired: Draft 5th round, 140th Overall, 2022
Bonus: $347,500
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2025
Minor League Free Agency: 2028
Options Left: 3
Overview
Gonzalez’ primary asset is his hit tool, as he seldom swings and misses, and reaches base at a high rate. He hit 279/422/412 as a sophomore and 335/459/467 as a junior. In 2022, Gonzalez walked 43 times and struck out only 27. He tends to hit the ball on the ground and so hasn’t produced a lot of power. He’s mostly been a left fielder in college and his arm isn’t good, but he’s an above-average runner. As a pro, he’s played all three outfield positions, most often left and center. He hasn’t been a big base stealer. Baseball America ranked him 164th among draft prospects and MLB.com 138th. Gonzalez signed for $67,100 less than the slot amount of $414,600.
2022-23
After signing, Gonzalez got into 25 games, all but one with Bradenton. He split his time among all the outfield positions. At the plate he showed what his college numbers suggested; he made very good contact and controlled the strike zone well, but with little power.
Oddly, given that he hit .325 in 2022, the Pirates sent Gonzalez back to Bradenton to open 2023. He put up an .830 OPS in 19 games and moved up to Greensboro. His hitting there was in character, as he hit for average, controlled the strike zone and showed only limited power. He hit 287/401/402, and had 65 walks against 84 strikeouts. On the season, Gonzalez stole 28 bases. He divided his time in the field among all three outfield positions.
2024
In 2024, Gonzalez spent the season at Altoona and struggled. He walked much less often than previously and hit for very little power, just nine doubles and a triple in 95 games. His slash line was 239/313/273. He played all three outfield positions.
Stats
Transactions
June 5, 2019: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 37th round, 1121st overall pick.
July 18, 2022: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 5th round, 140th overall pick; signed on July 24.