The Pirates spent much of the 2025 season honoring the late Dave Parker. The slugger’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his sudden passing just weeks earlier, prompted Pittsburgh to don a memorial patch, among other acts of recognition. Now, one Pirates player will be making a more permanent uniform change in honor of the Cobra.

Infielder Nick Gonzales pledged amid Parker’s Hall of Fame buzz to change his uniform number from Parker’s No. 39. The move was purely out of respect for the slugger as the Pirates have not (yet) retired Parker’s number. This week’s release of the Pirates’ 2026 roster confirms that Gonzales has made good on his promise. He will be wearing No. 3 next season.

Nick Gonzales’ number change honors Pirates legend Dave Parker.

Gonzales’ move may be the first step for a greater honor for Parker. The slugger, who played 11 seasons in Pittsburgh and was a leader on the 1979 World Series-winning team, joined the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022, but he has a case to have his number retired by the club.

Nick Gonzales announced back in July his plans to change his number from 39 to honor the legacy of Dave Parker.

“If you’re in the Hall of Fame, I shouldn’t be wearing your number.”

Gonzales is listed as wearing #3 on the latest Pirates roster released today 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/XeMJDsBiCB

— MLB (@MLB) December 18, 2025

Only nine players have garnered such an honor from the franchise. The World Series champions of 1971 are represented by Willie Stargell (8), Bill Mazeroski (9), Roberto Clemente (21), and manager Danny Murtaugh (40). The team that brought home the Pirates’ most recent championship, though, can only count Stargell among the ranks of those with retired numbers. The inclusion of Parker would be a fitting and appropriate honor for a Hall of Fame player and for the underdog club of 1979.

For now, Gonzales’ tribute is a thoughtful gesture that could not come at a better time for him, personally. Once a top prospect, Gonzales is entering a season of uncertainty. The Pirates just acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe, who will likely shuffle Gonzales over to shortstop. Gonzales will also have to fend off Nick Yorke. Both Nicks will be looking over their shoulder toward the arrival of Termarr Johnson.

Gonzales’ reverence for Pirates history and for Parker himself speaks to a maturity and flexibility that could serve him well as he fights for playing time in 2026 and beyond.