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2020 MLB Draft Profile: Nick Gonzales

Gonzales put up eye-popping offensive numbers before the cancellation of his 2020 season.

By Hector Rodriguez
NMSU junior Nick Gonzales takes a swing at the plate as the New Mexico State Men’s Baseball team faces off against Purdue Fort Wayne in the first game of a double header at Presley Askew Field in Las Cruces on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020.
(Photo: Nathan J Fish/Sun-News)

Nick Gonzales 2020 MLB Draft Profile

Position: 2B

Height: 5’10″

Weight: 190 pounds

School: New Mexico State

Nick Gonzales is a second baseman from Vail, Arizona and plays for the New Mexico State Aggies. Gonzales is one of the top offensive prospect to watch for in the 2020 MLB Draft. Gonzales has been one of the most productive collegiate players since arriving on campus. As a freshman, Gonzales batted .347 with seventeen doubles, nine home runs and had a 1.021 OPS. Gonzales was also named WAC Freshman of the Year. As a sophomore, Gonzales started to make a name for himself as he batted .432 with 16 home runs, 80 RBIs and had a 1.305 OPS. He was a unanimous All-American and the NCAA batting champion. As a junior, Gonzales hit 12 home runs in 16 games and also slashed an otherworldly .448/.610/1.155.

At 5’10” and 190 pounds, Gonzales is a smaller prospect but has the tools and production that excites scouts. He is an offensive-minded second baseman that possess great bat speed and bat-to-ball skills.

Gonzales has hit in every level he’s played in including the Cape Cod League. During his time in Cape Cod, Gonzales batted .351 with seven home runs and had a 1.081 OPS. He also named league’s MVP in 2019. Gonzales is limited defensively due to his size and only projects as a second baseman at the next level.

Strengths

  • Great bat-to-ball skills
  • Bat speed
  • Power potential
  • Exciting prospect
  • Hits at every level
  • Showcased power in junior season
  • Could move fast through the minor league system
  • Smart baserunner

Weaknesses

  • Limited defensively
  • Doesn’t have arm or range to play shortstop
  • Average speed
  • Short frame

Pro Comparison: Keston Hiura

Projection: Top 10 draft pick

Bottom Line

@NMStateBaseball/Twitter

Nick Gonzales should definitely be an option for the Miami Marlins come draft day. He has an elite ability to make hard contact and added more power to his game. Isan Diaz is really the only major league-ready second baseman in the Marlins organization. During his short time in The Show, Diaz hasn’t produced the way the front office was hoping for. Diaz still has the tools to be an above-average everyday player. However, that shouldn’t prevent the Marlins from preparing for other scenarios.

More and more, Nick Gonzales is looking like a prospect that can get to the majors quickly and become a run producer immediately. If the Miami front office isn’t as confident in Isan Diaz as they were in the past, Gonzales could be the Miami Marlins first round selection in the 2020 MLB Draft.

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