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Gourson's Rise: Pirates Prospect Makes Strides
18 Oct
Summary
- Duce Gourson, a ninth-round pick, emerged as a notable Pirates prospect.
- He played 127 games, demonstrating a strong ability to get on base and steal.
- Gourson offers defensive versatility across second, third, and first base.
Duce Gourson, a Pirates prospect selected in the ninth round of the 2024 draft, has become a noteworthy player in the organization. After beginning his professional career in 2024, he progressed through the minor league system, split between Low-A and High-A levels.
In 2025, Gourson's performance improved significantly. He excelled in 39 games with High-A Greensboro before making a successful transition to Double-A Altoona, where he played 56 games with a higher batting average and slugging percentage.
Gourson started the 2026 season with Altoona but earned a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 17. In 48 games with Indianapolis, he posted strong offensive numbers, including a .277 batting average and six home runs.
Throughout the 2026 season, Gourson played in 127 games, ranking him as the most games played by any Pirates minor leaguer. He also ranked among the top steal leaders. While not known for elite defense, Gourson is versatile, playing second base, third base, and even some first base, indicating potential as a utility player.
