The one approach to go is up for the Chicago White Sox. The Southsiders had been traditionally dangerous in 2024, ending with simply 41 wins after one other disappointing season. Positives for the Sox had been few and much between final season, however as dire because the scenario appeared throughout the season, the tides are turning. GM Chris Getz was closely criticized throughout and on the conclusion of play final yr, however for the primary time in years, the White Sox appear to have a route and a definite plan for the long run.
A lot of that plan was formed by the occasions of December thirteenth. The Purple Sox acquired Chicago’s ace, Garrett Crochet for a haul of prime prospects, highlighted by Braden Montgomery and Kyle Teel. The ceiling of the White Sox system was drastically risen after that deal, with every of the prospects acquired having a transparent path to the majors inside the subsequent few seasons.
Anticipating the White Sox to launch themselves again into playoff competition subsequent season could also be outlandish. Nevertheless, there may be hope for the long run on the South Facet of Chicago for the primary time in a number of seasons.
Take a look at Pitcher Record’s breakdown of all 30 MLB group’s farm programs heading into 2025:
NL East: Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals
NL Central: Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Pirates, Cubs
NL West: Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants
AL East: Purple Sox, Yankees, Orioles, Rays, Blue Jays
AL Central: Tigers, Guardians, Twins
High White Sox Prospects
The High Tier
1) Noah Schultz – 21 Y/O SP
MiLB Stats (A, A+, Double-A): 88.1 IP/2.24 ERA/32.1 Ok%/6.7 BB%
If a mad scientist got down to create a “monster” pitcher, Noah Schultz would probably be the result. At 6’9″, he’s about as bodily imposing as an individual might be from simply over 60 ft away. That measurement, in tandem with a 3/4 slingshot-esque launch from the left facet makes him a nightmare for opposing hitters. If that’s not sufficient, add in a mid-90s fastball and a wipeout slider that begins within the left-handed batter’s field and dives into the zone. His stuff is nice, and he’s in a position to preserve his pitches within the zone admirably. Schultz walked lower than 2.5 batters per 9 innings, which places him within the prime 20 pitchers his age or youthful (min. 80 IP). He additionally prevents hitters from doing harm, solely posting a fly-ball charge of 25.6%. Hitters managed to hit the ball over the fence on simply 5.8% of these balls.
There are plenty of issues to be enthusiastic about when wanting on the lefty’s profession to this point. The one gripe, albeit minor, is that his SwStr% has some room for enchancment (11.8%), however he manages to idiot hitters within the zone for known as strikes, with the 2 numbers combining for an okay 30% CSW charge. Going into 2025, the White Sox have little or no stability of their beginning rotation. If Schultz can put collectively a superb spring, and begin the common season nicely, he might be in discussions for a serious league debut by summertime.
2) Braden Montgomery – 21 Y/O OF
MiLB Stats (A+): N/A – 2024 Draft
Just like Schultz, Montgomery seems like he was constructed to play baseball in a lab. The 6’2″ switch-hitter put collectively two stellar years at Stanford earlier than transferring to Texas A&M for his last season earlier than going professional. Whereas the small print of his switch aren’t public, Montgomery was one of many first high-profile collegiate baseball gamers to switch throughout the NIL-era. He hit one other degree with the Aggies in 2024. Montgomery hit 27 homers with a 1.187 OPS en path to a Golden Spikes Award nomination. The Purple Sox determined to pick him on this yr’s draft at decide #12. Nevertheless, because of a late-season damage with A&M, he by no means performed knowledgeable sport for them earlier than being traded to the White Sox within the Garrett Crochet deal.
Whereas he frolicked as a pitcher in faculty and in summer time leagues, Montgomery’s future lies within the outfield. His fastball reached 95+ miles per hour, which interprets right into a rocket arm from the nook outfield spots. His capacity to throw is barely matched by his capacity to hit the ball with elite energy. Montgomery’s swing is violent, but clean and managed, that means he can generate spectacular exit velocities with out compromising his bat-to-ball software. The 21-year-old is by far probably the most thrilling outfield prospect within the White Sox system, and a powerful yr might have him in line for a promotion in 2026.
3) Hagen Smith – 21 Y/O SP
MiLB Stats (Double-A, Triple-A): N/A – 2024 Draft
Smith is the second member of the 2024 draft to lift the ceiling of the White Sox system. The previous Arkansas Razorback made headlines all through his last season, few extra viral than his 17-strikeout victory over Oregon State in February. His season-wide stats seem like one thing out of a online game. Smith struck out 161 batters in 84 innings, with a 2.04 ERA en path to a Golden Spikes nomination. After being drafted, he impressed in his first three appearances in pro-ball. Smith struck out seven batters in three appearances in Excessive-A, posting a 3.52 ERA in restricted time.
Smith’s slider is his finest providing, and he can throw it principally anyplace he desires. If it begins within the lefty batter’s field, it ends over the plate. If it begins over the plate, it finally ends up making hitters look foolish. Smith dietary supplements it with a mid-to-high 90s heater that’s arduous to catch as much as due to Smith’s extension. He makes use of a changeup, normally on the within to lefties, but it surely’s a piece in progress in comparison with the opposite two choices. Noah Schultz nonetheless holds the mantle because the group’s prime prospect arm, however Smith will threaten that title with a powerful 2025 season.
4) Edgar Quero – 21 Y/O C
MiLB Stats: (Double-A, Triple-A) – .280 AVG/.366 OBP/.463 SLG/16 HR/1 SB/17.4 Ok%/9.7 BB%
MLB’s #9 catching prospect (#59 total) boosted his inventory immensely with a powerful 2024 marketing campaign. Quero’s 139 wRC+ ranked #12 amongst all certified minor league catchers (min. 300 PAs), and his OPS was among the many prime 25. He’s a swap hitter, however the 21-year-old excels towards left-handed pitching. Quero posted a .346 AVG and 1.025 OPS towards southpaws final season (.261/.772 vs. RHP).
It wasn’t all good although. Defensively, Quero threw out simply 20% of base stealers final season, permitting 92 stolen bases. He additionally made eight errors in 643 innings behind the dish. Quero must enhance in each of those points to stay behind the dish. That stated, his capacity to hit balls as arduous as 107 miles per hour with pop to all fields will get him within the White Sox lineup.
5) Colson Montgomery – 22 Y/O SS
MiLB Stats (Triple-A): .214 AVG/.329 OBP/.381 SLG/18 HR/8 SB/28.6 Ok%/12.0 BB%
On paper, a drop from #1 to #5 might sign a regression for Montgomery. The fact couldn’t be farther from the reality. The one purpose he dropped 4 spots is that three new elite prospects joined the group, and one had a breakout season final season. Montgomery’s 2024, whereas not wonderful, demonstrated the instruments that made him a prime prospect within the first place. He mashed 18 homers, stole eight bases and posted a .710 OPS. At 6’3″, 225, with a clean lefty swing, Montgomery has the body to be a reliable energy menace at shortstop. Whereas his minor league numbers don’t match up, the construct is harking back to Corey Seager.
Nevertheless, the main efficiency drop-off must be thought of. His wRC+ dropped virtually 70 factors, and his strikeout charge spiked by 9%. Granted, this was his first expertise in Triple-A, and his BABIP dropped by 70 factors. The underlying swing information can also be encouraging. He made contact on 84% of pitches within the zone and saved his CSW% underneath 30%. Montgomery nonetheless has a approach to go defensively, posting 19 errors at brief final season, however his offensive upside must be intriguing for fantasy managers. The White Sox want somebody to step up and be an impression participant within the infield, and Montgomery has the possibility to just do that.
6) Kyle Teel – 22 Y/O C
MiLB Stats (Double-A, Triple-A): .288/.386/.433/13 HR/12 SB/23.0 Ok%/13.5 BB%
It was shocking to see that the Purple Sox included Teel within the deal to land Crochet. Contemplating the organizational depth on the catcher spot in Boston is considerably skinny, it was very potential that Teel might have been the #1 possibility at Fenway Park inside the subsequent yr. Hypotheticals apart, the White Sox must be thrilled that they acquired a possible franchise backstop this offseason. Teel was top-of-the-line offensive catchers in latest NCAA historical past, hitting .343 with 28 HRs and a .979 OPS in three seasons with Virginia.
Since arriving in skilled baseball, Teel has continued to hit. In 138 video games since being drafted, he’s slashing .301/.404/.444 with 15 homers. Teel additionally has the power to get on base (13.5% BB in 2024) however wants to enhance on a 27.6% whiff charge in Triple-A. Teel additionally doesn’t hit the ball particularly arduous. His Triple-A common exit velocity (86.3) would rank lifeless final amongst certified MLB catchers. The White Sox will discover a approach to make the most of Teel’s offensive expertise within the majors subsequent season, however he might fall into the 12-15 homer vary versus 20+. Both method, Teel is likely one of the most proficient hitters the Sox have of their system, and he’ll get loads of possibilities to show that.
7) Chase Meidroth – 23 Y/O INF
MiLB Stats (Triple-A): .293 AVG/.437 OBP/.400 SLG /7 HR/13 SB /12.7 Ok%/18.8 BB%
There are only a few gamers in skilled baseball more proficient at placing the ball in play than Meidroth. His 3.2 SwStr% ranked second amongst all minor league hitters final season and would have ranked #2 in MLB, behind Steven Kwan and Luis Arraez. When a pitch crosses the plate over the zone, there’s a 94% likelihood that Meidroth will put the ball in play. If he had 20-25 homer potential, he’d be within the “finest prospect in baseball” dialog. Nevertheless, he’ll extra probably land within the 6-8 homer vary within the majors.
Oh, and he will get on base too. Meidroth had the very best OBP amongst Triple-A hitters final yr and the second-best stroll charge. In 5×5 leagues, Meidroth shall be one of the constant sources of AVG and OBP accessible, whereas in factors leagues his worth would possibly lower barely. He must compete with Miguel Vargas, Josh Rojas and Brooks Baldwin for spots within the lineup, however his capacity to make contact ought to get him loads of possibilities.
Prospects Dynasty Managers Ought to Know
8) George Wolkow – 19 Y/O OF
MiLB Stats: .257/.357/.451/13 HR/9 SB/40.3 Ok%/12.0 BB%
Two issues stand out when Wolkow. Firstly, his peak (6’7″). Secondly, his strikeout charge eclipsed the 40% mark final season. Wolkow makes contact on simply 55% of his swings, however when he does make contact it does harm. As an 18-year-old in Single-A, he mashed 11 house runs, with one measuring practically 460 ft. Wolkow might additionally develop right into a plus runner. He stole 9 bases in 91 video games final season, which is spectacular contemplating his measurement. There are main pink flags in Wolkow’s profile that should be addressed, however the instruments he possesses don’t come round every single day. His ceiling is a possible famous person, nevertheless, his flooring is a 200+ strikeout, “three true outcomes” hitter. There’s loads of time for Wolkow to make modifications to his sport, however till he does, fantasy homeowners ought to proceed with warning.
9) Caleb Bonemer 19 Y/O INF
MiLB Stats: N/A – 2024 Draft
The 2024 Draft for the White Sox might go down as one in every of their finest lessons in latest historical past. If drafting a possible front-of-the-line starter wasn’t sufficient, they landed one of many prime prep bats within the nation with their second choice. Bonemer was named participant of the yr in Michigan for 2 years working, hitting .435 with seven homers in his last season in highschool. Bonemer possesses plus bat pace and exit velocities, along with good bat-to-ball expertise. His defensive house continues to be up within the air, as scouts debate whether or not his future house shall be at brief or at third, however his glove is sweet sufficient to stay within the infield going ahead.
10) Jairo Iriarte – 23 Y/O SP
MiLB Stats (Double-A): 126.0 IP/3.71 ERA/22.8 Ok%/10.7 BB%
MLB Stats: 6.0 IP/1.50 ERA/20.0 Ok%/26.7 BB%
Iriarte was given a “trial by hearth” in September, being promoted to the main leagues straight from Double-A. He wasn’t stellar in six temporary aid appearances, giving up eight walks. Nevertheless, he restricted opposing hitters to a .188 AVG, giving up only one earned run. Iriarte restricted arduous contact (6.3 Barrel%, 86.3 Avg EV) and generated loads of groundballs. Nevertheless, he wants to enhance on his strikeout numbers to really be a fantasy asset. Regardless of his use within the bullpen, Iriarte was utilized as a starter within the minors, which is the place his future probably lies in Chicago. The beginning roles are vast open on the South Facet, so a powerful spring might see Iriarte compete for a middle-to-bottom of the rotation spot out of camp.
11) Grant Taylor – 22 Y/O SP
MiLB Stats (A+): 19.1 IP / 2.33 ERA /44.4 Ok%/2.8 BB%
Accidents have restricted Taylor’s time on the sphere to this point in his profession. When he was wholesome although, he was downright dominant. Taylor struck out 32 batters in just below 20 innings of labor, permitting simply 5 earned runs in 2024. He struggled in his return to motion within the Arizona Fall League (9.39 ERA, 17.6 H/9), however can have a clear slate in 2025. Taylor possesses a plus, mid-90s fastball and cutter, in tandem with two good breaking balls. These pitches, when on, give hitters suits. His 37.2% CSW and 68.7% contact charge are each high-level numbers that may give the White Sox religion that he can develop into his middle-of-the-rotation projection.
12) Jacob Gonzalez – 22 Y/O SS
MiLB Stats (A+, Double-A): .238/.307/.343/8 HR/17 SB/12.9 Ok%/8.2 BB%
Whereas Gonzalez’s collegiate counting stats haven’t translated for Gonzalez in professional ball, his offensive profile has advanced into being a dependable bat. He acquired off to a sizzling begin in Excessive-A, posting a 122 wRC+ with a .763 OPS in his first 36 video games. These numbers earned him a promotion to Double-A, the place he struggled to make an analogous impression. Gonzalez posted a .225/.284/.321 slash line in his last 96 video games of the season. At simply 22, he has time to make the mandatory changes to determine himself in Double-A, constructing on his clean lefty swing and plus energy potential. Outdoors of Montgomery, infield expertise within the White Sox system is restricted, so Gonzalez must be afforded loads of time to attempt to lay declare to a roster spot.
13) Bryan Ramos – 22 Y/O 3B
MiLB Stats (Double-A, Triple-A): .242/.320/.387/10 HR/8 SB/22.8 Ok%/8.2% BB%
MLB Stats: .202 AVG/.252 OBP/.333 SLG/3 HR/0 SB/20.4 Ok%/6.5 BB%
After making his main league debut in early Could, Bryan Ramos struggled to make an impression with the White Sox. The corner-infielder mustered a wRC+ of simply 21, hitting .196 with two extra-base hits in 15 video games. After being despatched all the way down to make changes, he was a lot better in his 17-game September stint. Ramos posted a 99 wRC+, boosting his stroll charge by 8% and hitting his first three homers of his profession. The 22-year-old has lots to work on, primarily his 29% whiff charge and 6% barrel charge. Nevertheless, he possesses plus pace (28 mph, 86th percentile) and a stable common exit velocity (90.1 mph), which ought to give him a stable base to work with subsequent season. The White Sox are missing some depth at third base, and Ramos might lay declare to the recent nook by the top of the season.
14) Nick McLain – 22 Y/O OF
MiLB Stats: N/A – 2024 Draft
The White Sox’s third-round choice might transform one of many steals of the 2024 Draft. Matt McLain’s little brother suffered a number of accidents that restricted his time on the sphere between UCLA and Arizona State, however when he was wholesome, the offensive impression was clear to see. In his last season in Tempe, McLain hit .342 with a 1.120 OPS in 48 video games. The summer time earlier than that, he spent the summer time within the Cape Cod League, the place he posted a .802 OPS with 4 homers in 26 video games. McLain tasks as a nook outfielder going ahead, and has frolicked in each left and proper in faculty. Whereas he might not possess 30+ homer energy like among the prime outfield prospects do, McLain is an skilled faculty bat with the potential to rack up 15-20 homers per season.
15) Wikelman Gonzalez – 22 Y/O SP
MiLB Stats (Double-A): 83.2 IP/4.73 ERA/25.6%/12.8 BB%
Gonzalez is the fourth and last piece of the Crochet commerce to crack the High 15. The 6’0″ righty spent your entire season at Double-A, garnering blended outcomes. He struck out practically 10 batters per 9 however walked virtually six. Gonzalez additionally didn’t go deeper than 5 innings in any of his 19 begins final yr. The shortage of longevity and management that he possesses doesn’t scream success on the greater ranges. Nevertheless, his stuff is legit. Gonzalez’s fastball tops at 97, and performs very nicely up within the zone due to his “shot-put”-esque launch level. His curve fools hitters, dropping off the aircraft on the final potential second. The changeup has a heavy arm-side sink and run, making it powerful for hitters on both facet of the plate to react to its deviation from the fastball. Gonzalez has the potential to make it to the White Sox rotation, however he must restrict walks and go deeper into video games to make {that a} actuality.
The Subsequent 5
Though these prospects don’t crack the High 15, dynasty managers ought to preserve their eye on these 5 gamers.
Nick Nastrini – Former Dodgers farmhand attempting to rebuild his profession. Struggled within the majors final season (7.07 ERA, 35.2 IP), however has thrilling stuff that performed nicely within the minors. REALLY must work on management for subsequent season (9.09 BB/9).
Mason Adams – JUST misses out on the High 15. 2.92 ERA primarily in Double-A, because of repertoire highlighted by fastball/slider combine. Went 5 or extra IP in 17/22 video games. Struggled barely in Triple-A to finish the season (5.04 FIP in 5 appearances).
Seth Keener – Wake Forest product with a plus slider and fastball that performs nicely up within the zone. The command must be addressed (4.67 BB/9), however he has the stuff to stay within the rotation.
Alexander Albertus – Acquired by Chicago from L.A. within the Kopech/Fedde deal. 20 y/o third baseman with good stroll/strikeout charges in Single-A. Restricted energy/pace potential restricted future fantasy worth.
Samuel Zavala – Struggled offensively as a 20 y/o in Excessive-A with a .187 AVG. Has 15 HRs/20 SBs potential, however wants to enhance offensively to be a think about fantasy.
