Track Record: In three seasons at Georgia Tech and a stint in the Cape Cod League, Gonzalez earned a rep as a professional hitter with an outstanding feel for the strike zone. He had more walks (91) than strikeouts (74) in college, though those numbers came without much power. The Pirates took him in the fifth round of the 2022 draft and signed him for $347,500. He spent most of the 2023 season at High-A Greensboro, where continued to show solid plate skills but without the impact needed for a corner outfield spot.
Scouting Report: Gonzalez’s offensive game is predicated on his strong idea of the strike zone. His exit velocities are below-average, but he does a nice job connecting with pitches in the zone. His barrel accuracy could stand to improve, and his bat path doesn’t keep the barrel in the zone long enough. Gonzalez is a fringy defender with a fringy arm who fits in a corner, which adds more pressure to develop the power necessary to profile at the position. Gonzalez is an average runner.
The Future: Gonzalez will head to Double-A in 2024. At Altoona, his developmental goals will involve cleanup of his bat path in order to tap into more impact. He’s likely a backup outfielder whose value is in the batter’s box.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Field: 45 | Arm: 45
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