Outlook Nick Gonzales
Nick Gonzales looks to snap out of a minor slump with an extremely favorable weekend series ahead at Coors Field.
Nick Gonzales has cooled off recently, batting just .212 over his last 14 days without a home run. However, he remains the primary third baseman for the 38-37 Pirates, who are riding a two-game win streak. With shortstop Oneil Cruz currently sidelined on the injured list, Gonzales's everyday role in the Pirates' lineup remains secure.
Despite the recent cold spell, Gonzales's overall 2026 performance is impressive, as he carries a .293 batting average that outpaces our projected .259 mark. While his power has dried up with only two home runs on the season, his career-best contact rates suggest that this current slump is a temporary bump in the road rather than a permanent regression.
With the early-week games in Oakland behind us, Pittsburgh heads to Colorado for a three-game weekend series. Gonzales will face highly vulnerable Rockies starters, including Kyle Freeland and Michael Lorenzen, who both carry ERAs over 7.00. This premier hitting environment makes him an excellent option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 3 days ago
Latest News Nick Gonzales
Outlook Nasim Nunez
Elite Speed Tool Gives Nasim Nunez Intriguing Late-Round Fantasy Appeal
Nasim Nunez enters the season with a clear opportunity to establish himself in the majors, currently slated as Washington's everyday second baseman and the primary backup at shortstop. At just 25 years old, the dynamic infielder has earned rave reviews for his high-intensity play and spectacular defensive glove. He should secure plenty of playing time if his defense remains elite, though he will need to prove he can hit enough to maintain a hold on a regular spot in the lineup.
From a fantasy perspective, Nunez is a one-category specialist with game-changing upside on the basepaths. Our projections expect him to steal 24 bases in a limited 273 at-bats, showing just how active he is when he gets on base. However, the rest of his offensive profile carries significant risk; our models project a weak .227 batting average, a .291 on-base percentage, and minimal power with just four home runs. He will rely heavily on his walk rate and bunt hits to generate on-base opportunities.
Ultimately, Nunez is a target for fantasy managers who find themselves desperate for stolen bases late in drafts. He offers virtually no power or RBI support, making him a batting average liability, but his elite speed gives him a very high ceiling in the stolen base category. If you can buffer his average with high-contact hitters early in your draft, Nunez is a cheap source of speed worth taking a flyer on in deeper formats.
Updated 3 days ago
