Chicago White Sox: Under the radar prospects to watch
The Chicago White Sox boast one of the better farm systems in the game. This makes it easy to overlook those under the radar prospects that could make an impact in the coming years.
As far as rebuilds go, the Chicago White Sox would appear to be making all the right moves. With one of the better minor league systems in the game, boasting the likes of Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, and Dylan Cease. Michael Kopech will still be on that list, although he will miss the 2019 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. The future promises to be bright for the White Sox.
Nonetheless, not every top prospect finds their way to stardom. Just take Lucas Giolito, who after showing promise in a 43.1 inning stint for Chicago last season, struggled all year in 2018. While there is still time for players like Giolito to find their way, it is a reminder that those top prospects do not always turn out as hoped.
Likewise, there are those under the radar prospects that come along and prove to be valuable to a team’s future. These players may not appear in the top prospect lists during the season, but their contributions cannot be overlooked. It is certainly possible that some of these unheralded players find a way to reach the major league level, impacting the White Sox future.
Let us take a look around the Chicago White Sox farm system, and look at some of these under the radar prospects.
Tyler Frost: Outfielder
A 15th round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox in the 2017 Draft, Tyler Frost has quietly turned into a potential power hitter for the future.
He showcased a bit of that potential in 2017 during rookie ball, hitting seven doubles, five triples, and four homers in 160 plate appearances. That solid performance led to a jump to full season ball this past year, with Frost joining the Kannapolis Intimidators of the South Atlantic League.
That jump in level led to a solid performance that should get Frost noticed. While his .241/.324/.445 batting line was a step back from 2018, he more than made up for that in the power department. In his 464 plate appearances, Frost hit 18 homers and 21 doubles, giving hope that he could become a valued power hitter in the future. He even chipped in seven steals in 11 attempts, displaying solid speed.
There are some concerns with Frost. He struck out 129 times, taking strike three in 27.9% of his plate appearances. However, he did draw a walk in 9.9% of his plate appearances, showing a patient approach. Perhaps a bit more aggression will actually cut those strikeouts down, and lead to a breakout season.
If Tyler Frost can cut down the strikeouts, his power potential could soar. The Chicago White Sox outfielder may well be in line for a breakout campaign.
Luis Gonzalez: Outfielder
This Luis Gonzalez is not the same player who became a star with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the Chicago White Sox certainly hope he can be a similar player.
Considered to be the White Sox 14th best prospect per MLB.com, Gonzalez is nonetheless overlooked due to the presence of players like Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert. That is a disservice to an outfielder that could prove to be a key part of the White Sox future.
Last season was another solid, all around year from the White Sox third round selection in the 2017 Draft. He split his season between the South Atlantic League and the Carolina League, producive solid numbers at both levels. Combined, Gonzalez had an excellent .307/.368/.498 batting line, hitting 40 doubles and 14 homes. He stole ten bases as well, although he was caught seven times.
There are debates as to what Gonzalez’ ceiling truly is. His batting eye is considered to be his best tool, allowing him to control that strike zone and produce solid at bats more often than not. However, his other tools are considered middling at best, with his line drive swing not allowing him to tap into his power. However, that combination should allow Gonzalez to produce solid batting average and on base numbers, while his gap power and contact ability could make him a viable second hitter in the lineup.
Luis Gonzalez may not have that wow factor that people look for in prospects, but he should develop into a solid player. If he continues his strong play in 2019, he could become a part of the Chicago White Sox outfield for years to come.
Blake Battenfield: Starting Pitcher
It is easy to be overlooked amongst the Chicago White Sox pitching prospects. However, last year, Blake Battenfield made the organization notice his performance.
The White Sox Minor League pitcher of the Month for May, Battenfield certainly opened some eyes. Over 36 innings that month, he posted a stellar 1.25 ERA and 41 strikeouts. Those numbers will grab attention, regardless of the prospect’s stature, and could serve as a springboard for the rest of the year.
Battenfield’s May performance did exactly that. Although he had his struggles when promoted to the Carolina League last year, he still had a strong overall performance. Over his 121 innings, the former 17th round draft pick posted a solid 2.98 ERA and a 1.083 WHiP, striking out 115 batters against just 29 walks.
Now armed with a solid four pitch arsenal, Battenfield is likely to return to the Carolina League to start 2019. A strong showing there would likely lead to a promotion to AA, but he still has plenty to work on. Battenfield’s curve and change are still works in progress, and he may well be around the strike zone too much. He allowed 15 homers last season, ten of which came in his 53.1 innings at Winston-Salem.
Blake Battenfield has impressive command and a developing four pitch arsenal. If he can refine those pitches, andcontinue developing, he could force himself into the Chiacgo White Sox future rotation.
Tyler Johnson: Relief Pitcher
The Chicago White Sox have a lot of questions regarding the future of their bullpen. Aside from Jace Fry, Luis Avilan, and possibly Ryan Burr, the White Sox do not have a lot of long term pieces for their bullpen.
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Enter Tyler Johnson. The former fifth round pick has emerged as a possible closer for the future, with his high 90s fastball and low 80s slider combination potentially making him a key part of the White Sox bullpen in a few years.
Johnson backed that thought up with his performance in 2018. Another pitcher that split his time between the South Atlantic League and the Carolina League, he found success at both levels, and actually pitched better in Winston-Salem. Combined, he posted an excellent 2.07 ERA and a 0.879 WHiP, striking out an incredible 89 batters against 16 walks. He allowed only 35 hits, and just two homers on the season.
Based on his performance last season, it would not be a shock to see Johnson start the year at AA. Should he find that same level of success in the first real prospect proving ground, then he may not be long for the minors. A strong showing at AA may well lead to his ascension to the majors by the end of 2019.
Next. Kopech needs Tommy John surgery. dark
The Chicago White Sox are still looking for their closer of the future. Tyler Johnson may well be that player.