Prospect Report: Nick Gonzales Stays Hot, Homers For Surprise

Nick Gonzales, 2B, Pirates: After a tumultuous few years for Gonzales he’s finding his groove again in the AFL. Gonzales connected for a two-run home run in the ninth inning of Surprise’s win over Peoria. Gonzales is hitting .273/.342/.576 with a pair of home runs over nine games. If Gonzales can recapture the timing in his swing that made him a top-10 pick, the former Cape Cod League MVP still has a chance to develop into an above-average regular at second base.

T.J. Sikkema, LHP, Royals: A former competitive balance round pick of the Yankees, Sikkema was acquired by the Royals in the deal that sent Andrew Benintendi to the Yankees. Long known for his nasty slider and unusual look from the left side, Sikkema has struggled with health as a professional. Assigned to Surprise after the season, the lefthander has pitched well across a trio of appearances. Last night Sikkema went four innings, allowing one unearned run on four hits, a walk and six strikeouts.

Masyn Winn, SS, Cardinals: The fans in Salt River were treated to the Masyn Winn experience on Tuesday, as Winn started at shortstop, hit a home run and stole a base in this contest. Over 10 games in the AFL Winn is hitting .360/.556/.480 with a home run and four stolen bases. A standout defender with arguably the best infield throwing arm in pro baseball, Winn has a chance to play his way into the picture in St. Louis as early as next summer.

Zac Veen, OF, Rockies: What started as a strong season for Veen went sideways late as he struggled following a promotion to Double-A Hartford. Assigned to Salt River of the AFL, Veen has caught fire once again, and went 2-for-5, with an RBI, a stolen base and a pair of runs last night. Veen is now hitting .457/.556/.629 over 10 games with 11 stolen bases and four extra base hits.

2023 Pirates Top 10 Prospects Podcast

Kyle Glaser and Mark Chiarelli break down the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system.