Nick Gordon played left field, center field, second base, third base, shortstop, and perhaps even cut the grass at the stadium during the 2022 season. The man did it all, and the case can be made that Nick Gordon is the most explosive player on the team this side of Byron Buxton.
Game 1: Nick Gordon pitches a scoreless inning.
— MLB (@MLB) May 12, 2022
Game 2: Nick Gordon makes a highlight-reel catch in center. pic.twitter.com/CIX9VeXYnv
As the son of former big league All-Star Tom Gordon and the brother of Dee Strange-Gordon, another all-star, Nick Gordon has big league pedigree but has struggled since being drafted fifth overall in 2014. Fans have wondered, "What's going on with Nick Gordon?" When is Nick Gordon getting called up? After spending seven years in the minor leagues because of several health issues and just not being ready, he finally got called up to the majors in 2021.
During the 2022 season, he demonstrated why he was a top-5 pick, appearing in 136 games and slashing .272/.316/.427 in his first full season in the big leagues while hitting nine home runs. What was most impressive about Gordon was his versatility, filling in at multiple positions throughout the season. Showcasing his speed and flashing the glove made Gordon the Twins' biggest surprise last season.
What can Twins expect from Nick Gordon in 2023 season?
To start, expect a lighter workload.
The Twins traded for shortstop Kyle Farmer, who played for Cincinnati last season, and Gold Glove outfielder Michael A. Taylor, who previously played for Kansas City; both players can play a number of different positions. A healthy Nick Gordon? After struggling with a stomach infection earlier in his career, he's since gotten it under control this past season.
It's not unrealistic to think Gordon can play himself into the long-term goals of the Twins organization, and if he plays like he did this past season, Twins fans can expect him to be part of those plans.