The Pirates had the 23rd ranked third baseman in baseball this year, a position that contributed significantly to the team’s overall performance. Nick Gonzales had the most plate appearances at that position, which highlights the team’s reliance on him despite some glaring issues. Gonzales had his best year at the plate with a commendable slash line of .303/.367/.388, showcasing his ability to make consistent contact and get on base. However, his lack of power severely limited his potential, leading to an OPS+ of 107, which means he is just 7% above a league average hitter. This highlights the need for an improved power hitter at that position. Where Gonzales falters is in the field, a crucial aspect of his position. He was the worst fielding third baseman in the league, marked by a disappointing defensive runs saved of -15, which contributed to the team’s defensive struggles. He made 11 of his 15 errors at third base, a statistic that raises concerns about his defensive consistency and reliability. This is another corner infield position that has very poor fielding skills that the bat does not quite make up for. The Pirates do have Ryan O’Hearn, who can play first base, providing some flexibility, but they have no one that would be an adequate replacement at third base for the moment. If they are not going to sign Brandon Lowe during the off-season, that should be the Pirates’ number one priority, as solidifying the third base position is essential for improving both the batting lineup and the overall defensive integrity of the team moving forward.
As far as Gonzales is concerned, a move to second base would not only be good for him but also significantly benefit the team. He is only just a little below league average there at a -2 defensive runs saved, which indicates that while there is room for improvement, he shows potential to excel in this position. As a versatile player, Gonzales would be a great candidate to DH once in a while, allowing him to contribute offensively while minimizing the strain of fielding. Over the last three years, Nick Gonzales has made slow but steady progress as a hitter, showcasing flashes of brilliance that suggest he could develop into a reliable presence in the lineup. Injuries may be another factor that has slowed him down somewhat, causing intermittent setbacks in his development, but he has remained resilient and focused on improvement. Regardless of the challenges he has faced, he should definitely be on the team next year. Hopefully, he will never touch third base again, allowing him to fully embrace his role at second base where he can thrive.
