Erik Gonzalez: Shortstop of the Future or Trade Bait?
A few weeks ago, the Pirates were in desperate need of some offense, especially among their infielders. Josh Bell, Adam Frazier, and Kevin Newman were all struggling and Ke'Bryan Hayes was still down at the Pirates satellite camp. That is when infielder Erik Gonzalez answered the call and essentially hit his way into the starting lineup. From August 2nd through August 14th, Gonzalez compiled a stretch where he hit .451, picking up at least one hit in seven of his eight games played. Initially, the Pirates used him at third base but now, with the emergence of Hayes and Frazier moving to the outfield, Gonzalez has slid in as the team's everyday shortstop for the month of September.
Gonzalez's numbers have started to come back down to earth, as he has hit just .179 over his last seven games. He is still fourth on the team in batting average among active players at .261 and is providing solid defense at shortstop. Gonzalez's strong play this season has left a pressing question in the minds of Pirates fans and the Pirate front office alike. Is Gonzalez the future at shortstop for the Pirates, or is his trade value high enough to garner a decent return in an off-season trade? There can be a case made for both sides of the coin, so let's take a look at how Gonzalez could benefit the Pirates, whether it is in Pittsburgh, or somewhere else.
Gonzalez as the Future at Shortstop
If the Pirates don't want to completely tear down the current team moving forward, it would make sense to keep Gonzalez where he is at shortstop. He didn't really get the chance to prove himself last season after breaking his collar bone and is taking full advantage of his opportunities now. He is currently hitting .261 with three home runs and 19 RBI in his 37 games played this season. He has already set a career-high for RBI and is just one home run shy of his career-high of four. While Gonzalez has not been a very patient hitter at the plate, with just six walks in 138 at-bats, he has made a lot of contact this season and is slugging .420.
Offensively, Gonzalez is never going to be the star of any lineup, but this season he has shown an ability to hit the ball. In terms of batting average, he ranks eighth among National League shortstops with his .261 average. However, the biggest positive for Gonzalez has been his success at the top of the Pirates batting order. The Pirates haven't had a true leadoff hitter for a while, and Gonzalez is trying to prove himself a viable option. Since moving to the leadoff spot, Gonzalez is hitting .240 with one home run and seven RBI in 75 at-bats this season. Couple that with his .289 batting average in the first inning, and Gonzalez has been a great addition to the top of the Pirates lineup.
However, when grading out a shortstop, defense is the key stat as they are the "quarterback" of the infield. This season, Gonzalez has been ok defensively with a fielding percentage of .957 in 25 games at shortstop. He has committed four errors in 205 innings at the position while being a part of 17 double plays this season. If Gonzalez is to be the guy full time at shortstop, he is going to have to improve on those defensive numbers. The Pirates have some better defensive options than Gonzalez, including Cole Tucker, but they are needed at other positions right now. For now, Gonzalez fits nicely at shortstop with Newman at second base and Cole Tucker in the outfield.
Gonzalez as a Trade Chip
While Gonzalez's success in 2020 has not gone unnoticed, the question is will it be sustainable long-term. Gonzalez has never played in more than 81 games in any season and has only hit over the .260 mark one other time in his career. With his value so high right now, the Pirates might be likely to trade the 29-year-old if they are thinking total rebuild. Gonzalez is a very good defensive shortstop, with a career fielding percentage of .962 in 541 plus innings at the position. Shortstop Is the one position where you do not want to be lacking on your team and Gonzalez could help out a number of teams around the league.
One thing the Pirates are starving for is young pitching and catching prospects and Gonzalez would probably be able to fetch them one or the other, but not both. I could see him bringing back someone ranked lower on MLB's Top 100 prospect list like a Daniel Lynch from Kansas City or a Sam Huff from the Rangers. Both of these guys are lower-tier top 100 prospects on teams that need middle infield help. Gonzalez's versatility also helps him on the trade market because he can fill several different roles for a potential trade partner. Gonzalez gives the Pirates several options on the trade market, and might just net them a return they can work with.
In my opinion, Gonzalez should be used as a trade chip this off-season while his value is still high. The Pirates have good young shortstops in Cole Tucker and O'Neill Cruz waiting in the Minor Leagues and keeping Gonzalez blocks up a couple of positions. With Tucker in the outfield, Jared Oliva remains blocked with Gregory Polanco and Bryan Reynolds at the Major League level. However, if you move Gonzalez, Tucker can come back to the infield, leaving Reynolds, Polanco, and Oliva in the Pirates outfield. It allows the young guys to make their way to the Majors and gives the 29-year-old Gonzalez a chance to play every day in the Major Leagues. I wouldn't be mad if Gonzalez stayed in Pittsburgh, I just think he has more value on the trade market.
The Pittsburgh Pirates (14-32) continue their four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds (23-26) tonight at 6:40 pm. Joe Musgrove (0-4, 5.40) takes the mound for the Pirates against Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 5.23) takes the mound for the Reds. You can watch the game live on AT&T Sportsnet or listen on 93.7 The Fan as the Pirates look to avenge their two losses from last night's doubleheader.
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