Only seven players enter the final day of the 2026 season with a batting average of .300 or better. Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales (.302) is one of them.
Gonzales has a chance to be the first qualified hitter for the Pirates to finish with a batting average of .300 or better since teammate Bryan Reynolds hit .302 in 2021.
While accomplishing the feat would be "cool," Gonzales is not stepping into the batter's box thinking about his batting average.
"You just try to be consistent every single day and if that's where I am, that's where I am," he explained. "It's something that could really eat you up if you really focus on it too much throughout the year. I just play my game and try to be consistent."
Batting average is considered to be an antiquated stat by some in today's game. Given Gonzales' profile and background, he's someone who sees the value in hitting for average.
"I think it's still a testament to finding ways to get hits," he said. "I'm not a guy who's gonna just swing for home runs. That's not really my game. So, you gotta kinda learn how to find hits."
The six other qualified hitters who join Gonzales in the .300 club are the Astros ' Yordan Alvarez (.316), Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno (.311), Phillies ' Luis Arraez (.310), Rays Chandler Simpson (.306), Marlins' Otto Lopez (.305) and Rockies' TJ Rumfield (.300).
10 years ago, 25 hitters finished with a .300 batting average. The fact now that so few hitters are able to finish at or above the mark is a testament to the quality of pitchers in today's game, Gonzales believes.
"I don't think hitters are worse," he said. "I think it's just that the pitching is that good."
Gonzales' offensive showing with the Pirates this season has been the best of his career. But while his offense has been a bright spot this season, his defense has lagged well behind.
Gonzales, a natural second baseman, has been tasked with manning a new position. After adding Brandon Lowe at second base in the offseason, the Pirates had to shift Gonzales to third base. The 27-year-old has committed 11 errors in 112 games at the hot corner with minus-15 defensive runs saved.
While Gonzales hasn't had the year he's wanted defensively, he's not allowed his fielding woes to carry over to the plate.
"You don't take your glove to hit and you don't take your bat to play defense. So, just flush it. Forget about it," he explained. "As soon as I step back in the box, it's over with."
Through all of the defensive inconsistencies this season, Gonzales has remained a steady presence in the Pirates' lineup. Finishing the season in what will be an exclusive group of players with a .300 batting average would be a reflection of the progress he's made offensively this season.
"He should take pride in that, in how he's been able to swing the bat for us," said manager Don Kelly . "He's had some huge at-bats and swung the bat well. He's been a big part of our offensive success this year."
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