Gorski selected by Pittsburgh on MLB Draft’s first day

On Monday night junior outfielder Matt Gorski became the highest drafted IU player since Kyle Schwarber went fourth overall in the 2014 MLB Draft when he was selected in the second round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Hamilton Southeastern High School product finished the season with a .271 batting average after a big slump to end the year. He was hitting .304 on May 4. Despite that he still managed to produce for IU with a career-high 12 home runs on the season as well as 45 runs batted in, 13 doubles and 18 stolen bases. He also had a bit of an issue with strikeouts, like several Hoosiers did, averaging at least one per game.

The upside for Gorski is huge. He’s got all the tools. He’s possibly been IU’s fastest player since he stepped on campus, hence the 57 stolen bases in three seasons, he’s been productive at the plate, he hit .356 as a sophomore, and he’s also been a plus defender with a great arm whether he was at first base during his freshman year or in any of the three outfield spots after transitioning back out there as a sophomore.

He’ll join an organization that has done well in developing outfield talent in recent years with talents like Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco going through the Pirates system to the major leagues. Another perk of landing with the Pirates is that if he manages to work his way up to the AAA level in the organization he could play for the Indianapolis Indians, practically in his hometown.

As a junior Gorski still has the opportunity to elect to return to IU for his senior season. The Pirates will retain his rights and can sign him until 11:59 p.m. ET on August 15 or until he returns to school.