The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2024 draft class has already produced one noteworthy player in shortstop Konnor Griffin. Now, many of their other prospects from that draft class could soon make an impact in Major League Baseball. One that could be knocking on the door in 2027 and play a role for the Bucs next year is infielder Duce Gourson.
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Gourson was drafted in the ninth round out of UCLA. He made a nice first impression in 2025, slashing .275/.370/.439 with a .377 wOBA, and 135 wRC+ over 392 plate appearances between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona. Gourson showed off some power, with ten home runs and a .164 isolated slugging percentage. Plus, he walked at a 10.7% rate with a 22.7% strikeout percentage. Gourson used his high OBP to his full advantage, going 31-for-34 in stolen base attempts.
Gourson has put together another solid season in 2026. He is batting .247/.379/.393 with a .356 wOBA, and 111 wRC+ in 532 plate appearances between Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis. Although Gourson’s K% has risen slightly to 24.7%, his walk rate has also improved to 15%. Gourson has continued to make an impact on the basepaths, with 38 steals over 46 attempts. Gourson has had an excellent second half. Since the start of July, he owns a .271/.379/.452 triple-slash, and 122 wRC+.
Gourson has proven to be a versatile infielder. He has over 800 innings at both second base and third base. He has also logged 178 frames at first base. He projects as a solid defender all over the infield, which gives the Pirates to where they can play him in the future.
Overall, Gourson projects as a well-rounded prospect. Between his five tools, the only one Baseball America does not project as a 50 or better is his power, but he has shown solid raw pop, so there is potential for more extra base hits.
Gourson’s well-rounded profile gives him a potential leg-up on other players vying for playing time in 2027. He has displayed better plate discipline than Jacob Gonzalez, and better defense than Nick Gonzales. He also has a higher offensive ceiling than Jared Triolo, or Nick Yorke, given how often he draws walks. Gourson is a left-handed hitter, which could make him a strong-side platoon bat. He is a better baserunner than Gonzalez, Gonzales, Triolo, or Yorke.
2027 will be Gourson’s age-24 campaign. It’s very possible the Pirates give Gourson a chance to secure a bench spot on the team heading into Spring Training. His versatility, on-base skills, and his baserunning prowess could make an underrated impact on the team next season.
