Pittsburgh (93.7 The Fan) - Ben Cherington's first selection in his first year as Pirates general manager is Nick Gonzales of New Mexico State. He was taken seventh overall.
"We are excited to select Nick Gonzales with our first pick," said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington. "Nick has been an elite college performer as a middle infielder both at New Mexico State and summer seasons. We're equally impressed with the consistent improvement Nick has made since high school. Our area scout, Derrick Van Dusen, and regional crosschecker, Jesse Flores, did great work getting to know Nick as a person and player. We look forward to working with him in a Pirates uniform."
Gonzales has played shortstop and second base in college. He led the NCAA in batting in 2019 with a .432 average. This season, he batted .448 with 12 home runs in 16 games for the Aggies.
"It's been some slight mechanical adjustments that I may freshman year to be able to tap into my legs a little more," Gonzales said of his increase in power. "That kind of led into lifting. Getting bigger in the weight room, getting stronger, flexibility and everything like that. It smoothly transitioned into the power I have now."
Gonzales, 21, began his collegiate career as a walk-on.
"I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to do that," Gonzales said. "Kind of a comeback story, I was a walk-on.and to lead into this is awesome for me and for kids that aren't highly recruited. It proves to them that with hard work and determination, anything can happen."
Most scouts peg Gonzales as a second baseman in the majors, and he says he will play wherever.
MLB Network's Harold Reynolds, a former big league second baseman, called Gonzales "the best player in college baseball."
"It was pure joy and excitement for everyone around me," Gonzales said of hearing his name to the Pirates. "I will never forget that moment. It's very special for everyone."
With their second pick on Wednesday (#31), a competitive balance selecdtion, the Pirates took University of South Carolina righthander Carmen Mlodzinski (Muh-Jinski). He was rated the number 21 prospect by MLB.com.
