5 questions with Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Andrew Dalquist

This week, I had the opportunity to talk to Winston-Salem Dash pitcher Andrew Dalquist and ask the Chicago White Sox pitching prospect a few questions.

Dalquist grew up in Redondo Beach, Calif. In high school, he had an ERA below 2.00 and a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s. He was drafted straight out of high school. The Chicago White Sox selected him in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft.

Dalquist was in rookie ball in 2019, Low-A ball in 2021, and now High-A ball with the Winston-Salem Dash in 2022.

Dalquist has struggled this year in High-A ball. Heading into Tuesday’s games, he has appeared in six games, all as a starter. He is 0-3 with an 8.25 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, and a 5.6 K/9. Nevertheless, the White Sox have high hopes for the right-hander. Dalquist is ranked 11th on the White Sox’s top prospect list according to MLB.com.

Dalquist’s pitch arsenal consists of a fastball, curveball, changeup, and slider.

I talked to Dalquist about the minor leagues and his experience and development there.

Here is the interview with Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Andrew Dalquist

Q: In the minors, does winning matter? Everyone wants to win, but is it a crucial step in advancing yourself as a player and advancing yourself in the farm system?

A: Winning always matters, but I do not think it is the only indicator coaches use to tell if a player is ready to advance to the next level.

Q: How does it feel to know that the process of reaching the majors will likely take multiple years? Is it frustrating to know that it will take this long? How did you feel about this when you first entered the league?

A: The amount of time it takes to get to the big leagues has never frustrated me. I know that if I focus on my development, the rest will take care of itself.

Q: You’re 11th on the White Sox’s top prospect list (according to MLB.com). Because of that, does it feel like the White Sox are paying more attention to you specifically? Are there any experiences you have as a result of being so high on their radar?

A: I don’t think the Sox treat me any differently than any of their other prospects. They do a very good job of giving everyone an equal opportunity to move up, no matter where you were drafted or where you are on a prospect list. The players who are performing are the ones who get moved up.

Q: You’re off to a bit of a slow start. How do you look to find your place among the minors? Talk to me about your mentality going forward. Talk to me about the rough patches.

A: Going through the rough patches is part of development. It’s all about making adjustments and finding what works best for me. That’s really what the minor leagues are for. The people who make it to the big leagues are the people who figure out how to work their way through rough patches and stay consistent. I am going to stick to the routine that I’ve built for myself and continue to learn from my mistakes. I know that will make me a better player in the long run.

Q: What’s been the best moment/experience you have had in your professional career?

A: Meeting people from all different parts of the world and learning about their culture has been the best part of my time in the minor leagues so far.

Thank you so much to Andrew Dalquist for these fantastic responses. I encourage all fans to support the minor leagues and try to attend games because the talent there is truly remarkable.