While several Pirates prospects are representing the organization at the Arizona Fall League, Matt Gorski will miss out on the opportunity to play fall ball as he recovers from a quad injury. Gorski, the Bucs’ No. 22-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, provided an update on the ailment on Tuesday, noting that he is not yet 100% but is on the right trajectory.

“Missing out on some extra at-bats is a little bit frustrating and unfortunate, but I’m excited to get back healthy and get down to Spring Training,” said Gorski, who was named the organization’s Willie Stargell Slugger of the Year on Monday. 

Gorski, who hit 24 home runs and posted a .956 OPS in 2022, joked that he was also frustrated at missing out on the opportunity to play at TPC Scottsdale, noting that it’s his “dream course to play in golf.”

The 24-year-old outfielder missed the majority of the season with the quad injury, which ultimately forced him onto the 60-day injured list on July 6. Gorski returned on Sept. 8 after a brief rehab assignment, then earned a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sept. 20 before he aggravated his quad.

While Gorski is one of Pittsburgh’s more athletic prospects -- he and Andres Alvarez were the only players to log 20/20 seasons -- an opportunity for playing time could await the outfielder at first base.

The Pirates currently possess an abundance of outfield depth, but are noticeably thin at first base. By the end of the season, Pittsburgh did not have a primary first baseman on its active roster. Gorski, who has played 15 professional games at first base and spent time at the position during his collegiate career at Indiana, could help fill the void. 

“I feel super comfortable over there,” Gorski said. “I’m sure I’ll get a lot more reps [during] Spring Training. … You’re definitely more into the game when you’re on first base. I definitely love the outfield -- being able to show off my athleticism out there is really fun, but first base is also super fun, just to show your versatility sometimes.”

How many Pirates have had at least one 50-homer season?

A. Zero (0)

B. One (1)

C. Two (2)

D. Three (3)

Henry Davis, Quinn Priester and Nick Gonzales, the Pirates’ Nos. 1, 3 and 5 prospects per MLB Pipeline, respectively, represented Pittsburgh at the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game, where the National League defeated the American League, 9-3. 

Neither Davis nor Priester participated in the exhibition, but Gonzales started at second base for the National League and played an integral role in the win, driving in a run with a double in the bottom of the fifth that kickstarted a six-run inning. Gonzales was replaced by a pinch-runner after his two-bagger.

Gonzales has cooled off a bit after his hot start, but is still posting a .770 OPS in 17 games.

While Davis did not have the opportunity to play, the Pirates’ top prospect has been one of the Arizona Fall League’s top performers. In 17 games, Davis is slashing .260/.435/.440, and his .875 OPS is the second-highest among qualified hitters.

If the Pirates are looking externally to fill their current void at first base, another option just officially became available.

The Twins, as expected, declined Miguel Sanó’s $14 million club option on Monday, making the one-time All-Star a free agent. 

Sanó was limited to a career-low 20 games as he battled left knee issues for nearly the entire season. In the little time Sanó was on the field, he hit an unsavory .083/.211/.133 in 71 plate appearances. The past three years have been a struggle for Sanó as well; since 2020, Sanó has hit .207/.295/.441 with a 100 wRC+.

Still, Sanó might be worth the short-term investment. Excluding last season, Sanó owns a career .819 OPS and averages 23 home runs per season. In 2021, Sanó slugged 30 home runs with a .466 slugging percentage. Sanó might not be a long-term option, but the Pirates are in need of pop after their first basemen posted a .601 OPS with only 17 home runs. 

Along with Sanó, Jesús Aguilar and Carlos Santana are solid options who will be available in free agency. Santana in particular has tapered off over the past three seasons, posting a 92 wRC+ since 2020, but the 36-year-old plays solid defense and would be a much-needed veteran presence. 

Major League Baseball announced on Monday that the lottery for the 2023 MLB Draft will take place on Dec. 6 at the Winter Meetings. The Pirates, Nationals and Athletics each share the best odds (16.5%) at landing the first overall pick.

The Pirates have had one of the Top 10 picks in each of the past three drafts, selecting Nick Gonzales with the No. 7 pick in 2020, Henry Davis with the No. 1 pick in 2021 and Termarr Johnson with the No. 4 pick in 2022.

B.) One (1)

That lone Pirate was Ralph Kiner, who hit at least 50 homers twice during his eight-year tenure with Pittsburgh. In his second season as a Pirate (1947), Kiner hit 51 long balls. Two years later in ‘49, Kiner topped that mark with 54 homers. 

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