Report: Gorski foregoes senior year, signs with Pirates

Update: Gorski has been assigned to the Pirates’ class-A short season affiliate—the West Virginia Black Bears of the New York-Penn League. The team begins its season on Friday, June 14.

Just over a week ago IU center fielder Matt Gorski was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the highest-drafted Hoosier since Kyle Schwarber went fourth overall to the Chicago Cubs. On Tuesday he made his move to the pros official, reportedly putting pen to paper on a deal with the Pirates.

Gorski opened eyes over the last two seasons with a set of tools that were among the best in all of college baseball. His mix of speed and power, as well as a strong arm and a good glove with the added ability to hit for average, made him a special player for the Hoosiers. He ends his IU career with a .306 batting average, 24 home runs, 108 runs batted in and 57 stolen bases. He also received All-Big Ten honors several times.

With this decision, Gorski becomes the first of the IU underclassmen who were drafted to leave the program. The first decision to be announced was made by third baseman Cole Barr, who decided to stick around in Bloomington.

Now, as a newly minted professional, it won’t be long until Gorski is assigned to a minor league affiliate, likely the Rookie-level Bristol Pirates or Gulf Coast League Pirates, and his pro career will begin.