Draft Prospect Series: Nick Gonzales

Nick Gonzales is a 20 year old middle infielder who is currently a member of the New Mexico State University Aggies. Gonzales has proved to be an incredible contact hitter over his time in school, and is most likely to be drafted in the pick range between third and sixth.

Gonzales proved in his rookie season that he was a great contact hitter, managing to hit for a .347 average, and only improving from there. He comes into the draft arguably as the best contact hitter available. After three seasons, he finishes his university career with a .399 batting average, alongside a .502 OBP. Gonzales especially boosted his stock in the shortened 2020 season, going on a tear power wise. In 58 at bats, he ripped 12 home runs, which would average out to 124 in a 600 at bat season (MLB standard for everyday players). Although he has always had some pop in his bat, he has never been a serious power standout like this. To compare, the top college power hitting prospect (Spencer Torkelson) hit 6 home runs in his 50 at bats during the 2020 season.

With the power outburst from Gonzales, he looks like a quality early draft pick, especially with his successful history. New Mexico state is a division one baseball school, and to have maintained such a high batting average during his time there is something incredible. Offensively, he is a really similar to potential first overall pick Austin Martin, but simply isn’t as well rounded overall, bumping his stock down slightly. Another player resembling Gonzales could be Atlanta Braves SS Dansby Swanson, who had a similar play style during his college years before being drafted first overall by the Diamondbacks in the 2015 draft.

Gonzales is most commonly projected to be selected with either the third, or fourth pick, but could very easily fall to Toronto if those teams choose to turn to pitching. Being one of the highest rated contact hitters in draft, he is a solid selection for any team, an is likely to make his MLB debut within a few years time. Although Toronto is rumored to be targeting first round pitching talent again, they could easily change their minds if a player as talented as Gonzales falls to them.