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As the Pittsburgh Pirates head into a pivotal offseason, one decision stands out as remarkably simple: what to do with infielder Nick Gonzales. The team is coming off a 2026 campaign that saw 82 wins—an 11-game improvement from 2025—and featured eight players hitting at least 10 home runs. Additionally, strong pitching performances from starters like Jared Jones and Braxton Ashcraft have instilled confidence in the rotation's depth for next season. Yet, a few pressing questions remain, and Gonzales's future is among them. However, for the Pirates, this shouldn't be a head-scratcher.
With Gonzales entering another year of arbitration, the Pirates should simply accept whatever salary he is awarded and steer clear of any long-term negotiations. The rationale is clear: Brandon Lowe, the team's 2026 second baseman, is almost certainly bound for another organization in 2027. After slugging 35 home runs and driving in 96 runs, Lowe is poised for a lucrative contract—the kind the Pirates historically avoid. Replicating that power will be challenging, but the Pirates already have an in-house option who excels at getting on base: Gonzales.
Gonzales posted a .303 batting average in 2026, which ranked sixth in all of Major League Baseball. However, his season was marred by defensive struggles. After the acquisition of Lowe, Gonzales was shuffled around the diamond, primarily settling at third base. Despite starting 101 games at the hot corner, he never felt comfortable there. A return to second base—his natural position and the spot where he has spent the majority of his career—could resolve his defensive issues. It's a straightforward adjustment, but sometimes the simplest solutions yield the greatest returns.
Key Analysis
Compounding the situation is the looming lockout, which casts uncertainty over the 2027 season. For Gonzales, the timing couldn't be worse. According to arbitration projections from Pirates On SI's Dom Campbell, Gonzales is expected to earn between $3 and $4 million for the 2027 season. That modest salary makes him an easy player for the Pirates to retain, but it also makes him an attractive target for teams seeking offensive upgrades. For a contending club, Gonzales could provide the extra pop needed to push them over the top. As the Pirates navigate these considerations, their path is clear: let the arbitration process unfold and hope their starting second baseman for 2027 returns.