The Chicago White Sox are bringing one of the top catching prospects to the majors.
With the Chicago White Sox hovering around the periphery of the postseason, they have been looking to make improvements to the roster. They rank tenth in runs scored and OPS, with several holes in the lineup. In particular, the White Sox outfield, designated hitter, and backup catcher positions have been holes in the lineup.
The White Sox may be addressing at least one of those problem spots. According to reports, Chicago is promoting Zack Collins, one of the top catching prospects in the game, to the major league level.
SLATER SCOOP: White Sox are calling up first-round pick, former Canes catcher Zack Collins.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) June 16, 2019
The tenth overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, Collins has been a solid bat in his minor league career. He has moved steadily through the ranks since being drafted, and made his debut in AAA this season. Thus far, he has produced a respectable .258/.382/.497 batting line, hitting nine homers and nine doubles in 199 plate appearances.
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There are some questions regarding Collins’ profile moving forward. While he has drawn 35 walks, and has intriguing power and on base skills, Collins has also struck out 63 times. His defense behind the plate is also considered suspect, as he is considered a shaky receiver despite a solid throwing arm.
Of course, those possible issues behind the plate may not matter. Collins spent nine games at first in AAA, a position that it was thought he may end up moving to eventually because of his defensive issues. Yonder Alonso also has not exactly set the world afire as the White Sox primary DH, hitting seven homers with a .590 OPS.
Collins may not be tasked with spending much time behind the plate. The White Sox are planning on keeping both James McCann and Wellington Castillo at the major league level, at least for now. As Castillo has struggled with the bat this year as well, if Collins can show signs of being a reasonably decent backstop, Castillo’s time may come to an end.
The Chicago White Sox are bringing up one of their top prospects with Zack Collins. While he may deserve the promotion, this is a move borne of necessity as well.