Chicago White Sox 2019 Top 50 Prospects

January 3, 2019 William Shea AL Central, General, MiLB, Top 50 Lists, White Sox 6

Photo credit @PatrickCavey, Breaking Down The Future on Facebook
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Chicago White Sox Top 50 Prospects for 2019

There is no doubt that this is an exciting time to be a Chicago White Sox fan. After a couple of grueling losing seasons, things are starting to click in this rebuild process. The White Sox seem to have found their manager in Rick Renteria, in which ballplayers have praised. The White Sox farm system is also one of the best in baseball. With Jimenez at the top, he is a proverbial top two prospect in all of baseball just behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Besides Eloy, there are many other prospects and up and coming stars to be excited for. There is certainly talent at the top of this list, but I felt there are some names towards the bottom who could skyrocket up this list come midseason or next year.

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster


Tier 1:
1. Eloy Jimenez, OF
Age: 22
Highest 2018 level: AAA
No surprise at the top of the list. Eloy Jimenez is the next big thing for this team. Jimenez was ranked the #2 prospect in all of baseball according to Prospects1500’s aggregated Top 185 Prospects list that came out last month. Jimenez started 2018 in Birmingham before being promoted to AAA in the middle of the season. It was almost as if, with the promotion, Jimenez got even better. Naturally, he faced more major league ready talent in AAA and showed to why he’s the centerpiece of this rebuild. Expect Eloy to get called up shortly after the service time marker and start to make his mark at Guaranteed Rate.
Photo credit – Arturo Pardavila III (Flickr)

2. Michael Kopech, RHP
Age: 22
Highest 2018 level: MLB
I’ve been going back and forth on the #2 prospect in the White Sox organization, but went with Kopech here. Kopech made his MLB debut in 2018, starting four games for the Sox before having to undergo Tommy John Surgery. He will be sitting out all of the 2019 campaign recovering from surgery, but if and when he gets back to 100%, expect him to be a very strong part of the future White Sox rotation. Patience is going to be the key for Kopech and the White Sox as there is no need to rush him and his return. Command has always been a “thing” for Kopech so the White Sox are hopeful that post-recovery, he really hones in on his command. If Don Cooper can work with him on such, watch out.

3. Luis Robert, OF
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
Luis Robert had only 50 AB through the 2018 campaign playing ball at three different levels in the White Sox farm system. Injuries hindered a high expectation 2018 for Robert, however, Robert put that all behind him in the Arizona Fall League. In the AFL, Robert slashed .324/.367/.432. Along with that line, Robert also had 2 long balls and swiped 5 bags. At the plate, Robert also brought done his strikeout rate in the AFL compared to his 50 AB during the 2018 season which is something to keep an eye on moving forward in 2019. Apart from his bat and base running abilities, Robert’s glove has a lot of upside to it. Expect big things from Robert in 2019.
Photo credit – @PatrickCavey, Breaking Down The Future

Tier 2:
4. Dylan Cease, RHP
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: AA
2018 was an exceptional year for Dylan Cease as he earned the honor of MLB’s 2018 Pipeline Pitcher of the Year. The award was much deserving as across two level’s Cease went 12-2 while posting a 2.40 ERA. In 124 IP, he had 120 Ks and 50 BB. Like other White Sox prospects, as Cease moved up the ranks, he impressed more and more. If Cease can work on his control heading into 2019, he has ace upside. He has a nasty fastball, curveball combination. White Sox fans should expect to see Cease up at the major league level during the second half of the season. It wouldn’t be Cease’s first time facing off against MLB level talent as he shined in his opportunity at the big league camp last spring.

5. Nick Madrigal, 2B
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
72 minor league plate appearances without a strikeout. 72! Madrigal arguably had the highest hit tool coming into the 2018 draft and showed everyone why. In 207 PA with Winston-Salem, Madrigal only struck out 5 times. That is roughly 2% of the time. This 2% K-rate will most likely increase in 2019, but impressed many in 2018. Across three different levels, Madrigal slashed .303/.353/.348. Clearly, the power is lacking, but when you can hit like Madrigal, you don’t need that type of power. Madrigal is in an interesting position, however, as he can play 2B and SS, but the White Sox already have Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson at the major league level. It’s a good problem to have, though, as I think Moncada may get some time at 3B this year to pave the way for Madrigal in 2020-2021.

6. Blake Rutherford, RF
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
This year will be an interesting one for Blake Rutherford because he hasn’t quite shown his true potential that the Yankees once thought he had and the Sox still hope he has. In 2018, Rutherford spent the year at Winston-Salem where he slashed .293/.345/.436. Although his stats may not pop off the page like other White Sox hitting prospect, Rutherford still has the raw talent and potential to be a five-tool player. Time is ticking for Rutherford to show it, and believers are becoming skeptics. I still have high hopes for him and think things begin to fully click for him in 2019.

7. Dane Dunning, RHP
Age: 24
Highest 2018 Level: AA
Dunning often gets lost in the mix when it comes to top pitching prospects as he has Cease and Kopech ahead of him on this list. Dunning came in 76th ranked prospect on the Prospects1500 aggregated list and well-deserved. Performing over two different levels in 2018, Dunning pitched 86.1 innings, posted a 2.71 ERA, and a 1.19 WHIP. Dunning also had a K/9 north of 10 and less than 3 BB/9. Dunning has the upside to be very solid 2 pitcher, but if all things go well for Dunning and the White Sox, Dunning will be in the middle of the rotation. Dunning hopefully will remain healthy in 2019 and progress even more in Charlotte.

8. Luis Alexander Basabe, OF
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: AA
In 2018, Basabe slashed .258/.354/.445. One thing that sticks out right away is the 100 point jump in his BA to his OBP. He gets on base and that’s something White Sox coaches, scouts, and fans alike all praise him for. Basabe also has plus-speed on the basepaths and here’s hoping he can show that in the outfield as well. There’s no doubt that Basabe hasn’t quite shown the hit-tool just yet, but I wouldn’t hit the panic button just yet. He still has time to develop in the minors and will be needed if Basabe wants to take his game to the next level.

9. Micker Adolfo, OF
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
Michael Kopech was not the only one who needed Tommy John Surgery in 2018. Adolfo also underwent this surgery this past summer. The White Sox are hoping that Adolfo can come back even better similar to how Alex Kirilloff, Twins top prospect, returned this past year. In his 79 games with Dash this year, Adolfo impressed those who watched with his power and .283/.368/.466 slash line. It’s a shame it was cut short by the surgery. Adolfo has raw power and a ceiling that is incredibly high. He probably will not return to the field until about May this year and it’ll be something to keep an eye on how he fares at the plate and in the field post TJ.

10. Zack Collins, C
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: AA
Collins is definitely going to be a fun player to watch in 2019. Although many believe that Seby Zavala will make the bigs before Collins, Collins’ ceiling is much higher. In 2018, Collins showed his ability to hit with power, walk often, but strike out a ton. Although his average is lower than what you’d like to see, .234, White Sox fans should still look forward to Collins progressing and eventually making it to the majors. Collins currently is a catcher, but may find himself more as a DH in the near future with 25-30 HR potential. If Collins can develop his defensive skills, as well as work on his at-bat to at-bat approach, he could be a huge part of the rebuild as an offensive catcher with average to above-average defensive skills.

11. Alec Hansen, RHP
Age: 24
Highest 2018 Level: AA
To put it lightly, 2018 was not Alec Hansen’s year. It really was unfortunate for Hansen and the White Sox because of highly touted Hansen was at one point. During his time in AA and A ball in 2018, Hansen posted a lackluster stat line of 51.1 IP, 6.31 ERA, 2.01 WHIP, 10.3 BB/9, 9.6 K/9. Yikes. A once Top-100 prospect is now a pitching prospect who has a higher BB/9 than K/9. What went wrong? Hansen simply couldn’t find where to put the ball this past year. The walks and lack of command is a huge question mark for Hansen coming into 2019. You can only go up from here if you’re Hansen as he was demoted from AA to A ball in the latter half of the season.


Tier 3:
12. Luis Gonzalez, OF
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
Gonzalez posted an impressive .307/.368/.498 in 2018 with 14 long balls and over 70 RBI. Unlike some other prospects before him, he projects as a CF in the long-term scheme of things due to his above-average speed, arm, and range. I would not be surprised if he soars up this list through the 2019 campaign. He is one prospect I’m extremely high on and he does not get a ton of love outside of the White Sox organization. I expect that to change in 2019 with him continuing to prove that he is a well polished ballplayer.

13. Gavin Sheets, 1B
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
Sheets is a huge lefty with raw power who the White Sox drafted in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Looking at Sheets, you’d expect him to hit the ball over 500 feet as he is huge in person, however, he hasn’t truly showed this just yet. Coming into the draft in 2017, some experts questioned his plate discipline, he answered those questions in 2018. Now, if Sheets can put together his raw power and transition that to batting power, he looks to have a very strong 2019 season. There are some question marks with him defensively at 1B or if he fits better as a DH at the next level, however, Sheets will need to show hit bat and power a bit more before being concerned with where he fits in at in the bigs.

14. Steele Walker, OF
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: A
Like Sheets, Walker was a 2nd round draftee showing that many in the White Sox organization had high hopes for him. When he was drafted in 2018, he was one of the best collegiate bats available in the entire draft. His performance for the White Sox farm teams in 2018, however, were a bit underwhelming. He slashed .209/.271/.342 which doesn’t jump off the paper. He did have six doubles which goes to show his line drive ability. He won’t hit for a ton of power and doesn’t project well as a CF, but could be an average corner outfielder. Being 22, the White Sox are hopeful that Walker can develop further.

15. Jake Burger, 3B
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: DNP
Jake Burger did not play at all in 2018 as he tore his Achilles in Spring Training and then retore it again later in the year. Coming into the league, Burger possessed some of the most power of all 2017 draftees. Burger has a solid build and showed his pop during his brief time in Kannapolis in 2017. It’s a shame he did not play in 2018 and will probably miss some time in 2019 as well still recovering from his injury, but the Sox are hopeful for a solid 2019 campaign.

16. Zack Burdi, P
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: DNP
Burdi is another White Sox prospect who, unfortunately, missed quite a bit of time during the baseball season in 2018. Recovering from Tommy John Surgery, he made a few appearances in Arizona this past year. Burdi is a flamethrower in which is fastball can reach 100+ MPH. He projects to be a future high leverage reliever for the White Sox. Burdi also has a nice slider and changeup in his repertoire. Apart from the heat, Burdi’s fastball also has some nice movement to go along with it which made him almost MLB ready prior to his surgery. Command will be something to look for in Burdi if he wants to prove himself as an elite reliever at the next level.


Tier 4:
17. Kodi Medeiros, LHP
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: AA
I’m a bit more high on Medeiros than most are. I still believe that he has the potential to make at impact in the majors for the White Sox once their rebuild starts to come into play. Medeiros was acquired this past year in a high sell of Joakim Soria in late July. If he can get his mechanics and control in order, he should have a spot on this team. His best pitch is probably his slider, but also has a plus fastball and changeup. In 2018, Medeiros pitched 137.2 innings and posted a solid 3.60 ERA. His WHIP and BB/9 were a bit higher than most liked to see, but that goes along with the poor control that was mentioned previously. This southpaw might be able to see the majors at some point in 2019,

18. Luis Curbelo, SS
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: A
In 2017, Curbelo showed some true promise, but the season was cut severely short after surgery was needed for a meniscus tear. In 2018, the stats he posted were somewhat below average, however, he does have quite a bit to be excited about. .237/.282/.338 is not anything to ride home about, but he has a nice swing with some pop to his bat. He has a rather strong glove and has showed it at both SS and 3B. Most project him to be a 3B once he fully develops. Curbelo has a lot to work on moving forward, but the Sox could reap some benefits here if he develops and matures nicely as they plan.

19. Jordan Stephens, RHP
Age: 26
Highest 2018 Level: AAA
Similar to some others you’ll see shortly, I think Stephens will have a role for the 2019 Chicago White Sox. Some believe he may even be the 5-starter at the start of the year. The 26 year-old pitched well in Birmingham in 2017, but when promoted to Charlotte, he struggled at times. His AAA stats in 2018 looked something like this: 4.71 ERA, 107 IP, 1.46 WHIP and about 8 K/9 and 3BB/9. He won’t blow you away by any means, but will most likely compete for a starter job this spring.

20. Seby Zavala, C
Age: 25
Highest 2018 Level: AAA
The reason I have Zavala rounding out my top 20, which is higher than most other prospect lists you’ll see this year is because of his impact he’ll have in 2019. He most likely will be called up prior to Collins who is significantly higher on the list in hopes Collins’s game marinates a bit more. Zavala isn’t the answer, long-term, but will do the job in the near future. In 2018, he was featured in AA and AAA and hit .258/.317/.418 with 13 long balls and a solid 22 doubles. He has a nice bat, which most likely will translate to the major league level. He’s alright defensively and most likely will be a placeholder for the catcher of the future. Even with the White Sox signing James McCann, I still expect to see Seby in 2019.

21. Tyler Frost, OF
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: A
The White Sox have a plethora of outfielders in their farm system and Tyler Frost is one of them. During his full season at Kannapolis in 2018, Frost had a slash line of 241/.324/.445. He also hit 18 HR and over 20 two-baggers. Frost strikes out quite a bit, striking out more than 25% of the time, but looks to bring that down in 2019. Frost is a lefty who has potential to hit about 15-20 HR consistently.

22. Laz Rivera, SS
Age: 24
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
Rivera was not really even on the radar when it came to prospects entering the 2018 season, however, he had himself one heck of a season. Split between Kannapolis and Winston-Salem, Rivera posted .314/.361/.481 with 30 doubles and 13 long balls. He’s a bit older than most prospects in A-ball, but he’s a shortstop who has shown that he can hit the ball for average and power which is something that many will look more towards in 2019.

23. Ian Hamilton, RHP
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: MLB
Hamilton is one of the handful of players on this Top 50 list that cracked the majors in 2018. Hamilton has a rather small frame, but still shows the ability to fire the ball in there with a fastball that hits the mid to upper 90’s. He also has a slider with some nice break to it, but did not show it too well during his 8 innings with the Sox last year. He will be a reliever for the team this year and should be solid at that. White Sox fans should become familiar with Hamilton.

24. Jimmy Lambert, RHP
Age: 24
Highest 2018 Level: AA
Lambert is yet another prospect I look forward to monitoring come the 2019 season. He had a rather impressive campaign in 2018 after being promoted from Winston-Salem to Birmingham. During his time in Birmingham, he had a K/9 just north of 10 and a BB/9 right around 2. He made some changes in his mechanics last spring and looks to further those changes with a strong 2019 season. Lambert has potential to be a back-end rotation guy.

25. Lency Delgado, SS
Age: 19
Highest 2018 Level: AZL (Rookie)
Delgado is a 19 year-old kid who the White Sox drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. Many experts did not see Delgado going in the fourth round, but it’s clear the White Sox saw something in this 19 year-old that others did not. They were able to sway him from his commitment to Florida International and many experts project him to find himself at 3B rather than SS. In 38 games in the AZL, Delgado 31 hits in 133 AB with six extra base hits. Keep an eye on this kid. I think he’ll shoot up the rankings come midseason.

26. Josue Guerrero, OF
Age: 19
Highest 2018 Level: AZL (Rookie)
With the legacy of Guerreros and the rise of his relative, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., I put Guerrero just outside of my top 20. There hasn’t been much seen with Josue Guerrero, but the raw abilities are certainly there. He has the raw power, but a more aggressive approach. Being only 19 by the time baseball season rolls around, I’ll be keeping a curious eye on Josue Guerrero. In rookie ball, Josue batted below the Mendoza line as his hit tool is something that needs some major working on.

27. Camilo Quinteiro, 2B
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: Rookie
Quinteiro was one of the five international signings for the White Sox in 2017. Luis Robert headed that group of five, but Quinteiro is another one to keep an eye on. In rookie ball last year, he hit .280/.427/.313. One of the more impressive stats that he posed was his nearly 20% walk rate, something that is not usually seen in rookie ball. He also swiped 11 bags which showed one of his true strengths in his speed.

28. Spencer Adams, RHP
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: AA
When the White Sox drafted Adams in 2014, the hopes were certainly high for him, but he never really have lived up to it. Adams possesses a nice sinking fastball that consistently is in the low-to-mid 90’s. Adams was left off of the White Sox 40-man roster this past December and was eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft. No one selected him which makes his future for the White Sox a bit cloudy.

29. Konnor Pilkington, LHP
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: Rookie
Pilkington was the 3rd selection for the White Sox in this past June’s MLB Draft. Being only 20 at the time of the draft, the White Sox were happy to snag this Mississippi State Bulldog. At one point during his time at Mississippi State, some saw him as a future first round pick, which goes to show the potential he has. Due to playing in the College World Series and signing rather late, Pilkington hasn’t shown too as a White Sox prospect. He has a solid fastball, changeup, and slider in his arsenal and is projected to be a middle of the rotation guy.

30. Ian Clarkin, LHP
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: AA
Clarkin was one of the players acquired from the Yankees in the deal that sent Todd Frazier and Tommy Kahnle to the Bronx. He had an interesting offseason getting claimed by the Chicago Cubs and then claimed back by the White Sox less than a week later. One major red flag for Clarkin is his injury history. The injuries he has sustained the past few years have really stunted his development. Apart from 2018, in which posted an ERA north of 4.00 and a WHIP around 1.50, Clarkin has struggled to stay healthy over the length of a season. Only time will tell if Clarkin can stay healthy and develop his game in 2019.

31. Ryan Burr, RHP
Age: 24
Highest 2018 Level: MLB
Burr saw some time on the Southside this past year as he fared well in the minor league ranks for the White Sox. After 30 appearances in relief in Birmingham, he was promoted to Charlotte, where he 7 more appearances before being called up to the show in late August. Although Burr had a rather successful minor league campaign in 2017, he struggled a bit when he reached the majors. In only 9.2 IP, he walked six, struck out six, let up eight runs and had a BAA of over .300. Burr will likely to improve his play at the major league level in 2019.

32. Tyler Johnson, RHP
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
Tyler Johnson looks to continue to rise through the ranks of the minors and develop his fastball and slide one-two punch. At every level, Johnson continues to be a very strong relief option. In 2018, he appeared in games for Kannapolis as well as Winston-Salem and went 9-0 with 14 saves. He had a BAA of .172 and a WHIP of 0.88. These stats are obviously very strong and Johnson may be a potential reliever for the White Sox come August and September.

33. Jose Ruiz, RHP
Age: 24
Highest 2018 Level: MLB
Ruiz was an interesting case in 2018. He was called up the majors in early September after performing well in Birmingham. He skipped entirely over AAA which totally out of the ordinary for a September call-up. When he reached the majors, he appeared in six games and looked rather unimpressive. Ruiz is still on the 40-man roster and will be another bullpen option for White Sox in 2019.

34. Lenyn Sosa, SS
Age: 18
Highest 2018 Level: Rookie
When Sosa was signed by the White Sox in 2016, many thought he was one of the better hitters to come out of his international class. Being only an 18 year-old SS, Sosa surely has held his own thus far. In 2018, he slashed .293/.322/.389 in the Pioneer League. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sosa moves to 2B in the near future due to his lack of speed. I’m keeping a close eye on Sosa as he should be getting a full year in Kannapolis.

35. Jonathan Stiever, RHP
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: Rookie Ball
Another 2018 draftee for the White Sox, Stiever is a rather local product being from Wisconsin and going to Indiana for college. Stiever has a nice rotation and has the ability to work deep into games. His college career was an up and down ride as he showed flashes of being a stud, but also had a rather disappointing junior season. Like Sosa above, Stiever played in the Pioneer League where he started 13 games.

36. Lincoln Henzman, RHP
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
Henzman started the 2018 baseball season in Kannapolis, but ended the year in Winston-Salem which goes to show he performed. After posting a 2.23 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 13 starts with Kannapolis, he had continued success for the dash. He started 9 games, appeared in 13 and had an ERA of 2.60. Across the two levels, his WHIP was 1.12 which is rather solid.

37. Bernardo Flores, LHP
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: AA
Bernardo Flores had himself quite the 2018. Flores pitched a total 156 innings across A and AA ball posting a 2.65 ERA and striking out 105 batters he faced. Another accolade of Flores is that he was honored for his glove on the mound in the minors. Flores has a very nice changeup and a cutter, but also has a so-so fastball. If Flores can adjust his mechanics and improve his fastball, look for him to continue to succeed in the White Sox organization.

38. Thyago Vieira, RHP
Age: 25
Highest 2018 Level: MLB
Vieira spent the majority of his time in 2018 split between the Charlotte Knights and the White Sox. A bonafide reliever, Vieira won’t amount to much and won’t blow your socks off, but will do the job for the time being. He struggled at times in 2018, but looks to put that behind him as he will come out of the pen again in 2019.

39. Ryan Cordell, OF
Age: 26
Highest 2018 Level: MLB
Cordell has quite the career thus far. The 26 year-old made his MLB debut in September of last year battling injuries since the White Sox acquired him from the Brewers in 2017. Cordell has 37 AB with the White Sox in 2018 and his future is up in the air with the team for 2019. He is an above average fielder, but his bat hasn’t shown much in those 37 AB.

Tier 5:
40. Jordan Guerrero, LHP
Age: 24
Highest 2018 Level: AAA
Guerrero looked to be two different players in 2018. During his time with the Barons in AA, he struggled. His BAA was north of .300 and posted a mediocre 3-6 record with a 6.06 ERA. He was promoted up to AAA in June and his stats pass the eye test. In Charlotte, he was 7-2 with a much more acceptable 3.46 ERA. He brought his BAA down from AA to AAA, but his WHIP was still around 1.50.

41. A.J. Puckett, RHP
Age: 23
Highest 2018 Level: DNP
Puckett is surely an interesting case. He was acquired in the Melky Cabrera trade in 2017 and pitched alright for the Dash during his time there. He then had some elbow issues and did not pitch at all in 2018. The once 2nd round draft pick for the Royals started a throwing program back in June, but no update on Puckett was made. Hopefully 2019, Puckett can find some good health and get back to throwing at a competitive level.

42. Bryce Bush, 3B
Age: 19
Highest 2018 Level: Rookie

A prep school star and Mississippi State commit getting drafted in the 33rd round doesn’t often lead to a signing. For Bush and the White Sox, the stars aligned and Bush signed with the team. Bush came out killing the ball in the AZL where he hit .442 over 43 AB and 14 games. That stat will surely raise some eyebrows. He then went on to the Pioneer League where he continued to play at a high level. This 19 year-old is probably the biggest sleeper in the White Sox organization. I’m really excited to see him play and prosper as ballplayer.

43. Luis Mieses, OF
Age: 18
Highest 2018 Level: AZL (Rookie)
Mieses is an 18 year-old kid who has a lot of raw talent, but it’ll be a project for the White Sox for him to show it. Performing in the AZL the past two years, Luis has batted .247/.273/.324. He surely is a project, but someone who could develop as his body and game matures.

44. Kade McClure, RHP
Age: 22
Highest 2018 Level: A
McClure was a 6th round draft pick back in 2017 for the White Sox. McClure’s 2018 was unfortunately cut short due to having knee surgery before the summer. During the first two months of the year for the Intimidators, McClure looked to be one of the bright spots in their rotation. He pitched 7+ IP without letting up a run three times early in the season. With the knee surgery occurring, McClure is hopeful to get back out there come 2019 Spring Training.

45. Amado Nunez, 2B
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: Rookie
Nunez has been a White Sox project since the summer of 2014 when the White Sox signed him. Now, the 21 year-old second baseman looks to build his path to success in 2019 starting in A ball. In the Pioneer League in 2019, Nunez looked lights out at the plate hitting .357. He hit 21 doubles, 6 triples, and 6 home runs. The extra base hits helped his slugging get to a strong .568. Nunez is one to watch in the low ranks of this organization.

46. Yeyson Yrizarri, SS
Age: 21
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
You might recognize this name from the Prospects1500 post in 2018 titled “Diving Deep: Prospects not included in our Top 50s.” This year, however, Yrizarri cracks my 50 coming in as the 46th prospect in the White Sox organization. He has spent quite a bit of time in the minors, but looks to move forward in 2019. He’ll need to bring down the strikeout rate a bit if he wants some success this coming year.

47. Tate Blackman, 2B
Age: 24
Highest 2018 Level: A
Blackman was drafted in 2017 out of Mississippi and spent the entirety of the 2018 season in Kannapolis. He slashed .244/.344/.407. He can get on base and draw some walks, but strikes out 34% of the time. Blackman will want to his strikeout rate down quite a bit if he wants any long term success.

48. Yermin Mercedes, C
Age: 25
Highest 2018 Level: Class A-Advanced
Mercedes is yet another catcher on my Top 50 List following Zavala and Collins earlier in the list. Mercedes is a bit older for a A ball catcher being 25 and will be 26 at the time spring training rolls around, but Mercedes still cracks the list due to his solid bat. Last year he slashed .289/.362/.478 and hit 14 long balls. He is a nice minor league catcher, but with two catchers ahead of him, don’t expect to see him make leaps and bounds on this list come next year.

49. Casey Gillaspie, 1B
Age: 25
Highest 2018 Level: AAA
It’s crazy to think that Gillaspie was once a first round draft pick and was thought to be a big part of the Tampa Bay Rays future. Gillaspie now sits in the bottom half of the Top 50 List for the White Sox. Gillaspie has been underwhelming so far and has not lived up to the hype that the Rays had thought. Gillaspie played 71 games for Charlotte in 2018 and hit a rather unimpressive .220 and struck out about 36% of the time.

50. Joel Booker, OF
Age: 25
Highest 2018 Level: AA
Rounding out this list is Joel Booker. Booker is an interesting prospect as he completely overhauled his swing last year. After being promoted to AA, the left fielder hit .266 and had an OBP of .338. Booker has some wheels, but needs to improve his base stealing ability as he was thrown out nearly 40% of the time. Some nice pop to his bat as well as some decent speed, Booker is an interesting prospect to round out this list.

 

William Shea

William Shea is the Chicago White Sox correspondent for Prospects1500. An Illinois resident, William attends over 30 baseball games throughout the season ranging from MLB, MILB, or even Independent League games. William, a sports memorabilia and fantasy baseball fan alike, can be found on Twitter @0Runsin1st.

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