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It has been a tale of two offseasons for the Chicago White Sox. During the offseason last year, most chalked it up as a failure after Hahn and Co. were unable to sign Manny Machado or any other premier free agent. This year, however, the White Sox’s offseason was quite different. Key acquisitions include Yasmani Grandal, Dallas Keuchel, Gio Gonzalez, and Nomar Mazara; all four of which are meant to help the team in the immediate future.

The signings and acquisitions via trade help the White Sox here and now, but the White Sox were also able to lock up their future, signing Luis Robert to six year, $50 million deal with two team options in 2026 and 2027. Locking up Robert, similar to how they extended Eloy Jimenez last offseason, eliminates service time being an issue. Robert is one of the top prospects in all of baseball and White Sox fans should expect #88 manning center field on Opening Day this year.



Like in years past, the White Sox’s farm system is rather top heavy. I’ve ranked four of their top fifty prospects as Tier 1 Prospects1500 prospects. After the top 5, however, the list quickly dries up. Many of the White Sox prospects were, at one point, top guys in the system. Injuries and under performances have caused many of these once top tiered prospects to fall into the Tier 3 or Tier 4 range.

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. Luis Robert, OF

Age: 22

Highest 2019 level: AAA (Charlotte)

There is no surprise with the #1 prospect in the White Sox organization. Robert is a definite top three prospect in all of baseball and some could even make a case for him being the top prospect. As mentioned above, the White Sox locked up Robert potentially up until 2027 without even seeing Robert in the majors just yet. It’s clear, like many, the White Sox front office have high hopes for Robert and how could they not? Robert put up video game-like numbers all of 2019 and almost rose through the ranks similar to Juan Soto a couple years back. He started the year Winston-Salem, mashed the ball. He was promoted to Birmingham, mashed the ball. He was promoted again to Charlotte, and guess what? He continued to mash the ball. A 2019 slash line of .328/.376/.624 through three ranks of the minors is just reason as to why many are so high on Robert.

2. Andrew Vaughn, 1B

Age: 21

Highest 2019 level: A+ (Winston-Salem)

Just like midseason in 2019, Vaughn finds himself at #2 on my top 50 list. Upon graduation for Robert, Vaughn will almost certainly have the #1 spot come midseason 2020. After being drafted third overall in 2019, Vaughn started the year in the AZL (Rookie league) and ended up in Winston-Salem. Although his lack of power has been somewhat disappointing, I believe Vaughn still has one of the best hit tools in the system and as I mentioned in my White Sox midseason top 50 last year, I expect to see him on the South Side in the later half of the season this year.

3. Michael Kopech, RHP

Age: 23

2019 Level: N/A

Even after undergoing Tommy John Surgery that ended his 2018 season and cost him his 2019 regular season, Kopech still showed the pedigree he has as a top prospect in baseball returning to the mound this past fall. It feels like forever ago that Kopech made his White Sox debut to a roaring crowd on the South Side, but Kopech still finds himself on the top prospect list. With Spring Training right around the corner, Kopech looks to turn a new leaf and stay healthy for all of 2020. If he can, and he can tap into his true potential, the White Sox have their future ace.

4. Nick Madrigal, 2B

Age: 22

2019 Level: AAA (Charlotte)

Madrigal is one of the most intriguing prospects not only in the Chicago White Sox system, but in entire baseball. The way Madrigal plays the game is very different to most of the hitters that rise through the ranks in today’s game. Madrigal does not hit for much power, but has arguably the best approach in the batter’s box in the White Sox system. He is a high floor, low ceiling guy who will be an everyday infielder for the Sox moving forward. Although he probably won’t dawn a Sox jersey until May, my bold prediction is that he hits twice as many home runs in 2020 than he did in 2019, with the majority of these coming at the major league level. Madrigal has plus speed and a plus glove on top of his masterful approach. I can’t wait to watch him prove doubters wrong. Madrigal could also be a name to consider in the late rounds of roto redraft leagues.



Tier 2

5. Jonathan Stiever, RHP

Age: 22

Highest 2019 level: A+ (Winston-Salem)

I will reference many prospects in this list that have the potential to shoot up these rankings come midseason and in 2021. Stiever showed the definition of soaring up on top prospect lists. He started the year for me last year ranked #35, came in midseason at #9, and I have him now rounding out the top five. This righty from Indiana was absolutely phenomenal last year for the Dash. There’s no doubt that he was the best pitching prospect of 2019 for the White Sox. Stiever will face a bit more competition as he rises through the farm, but I expect his success to continue.

6. Dane Dunning, RHP

Age: 25

Highest 2019 level: N/A

Another victim of the dreaded Tommy John surgery, Dunning still has the potential to be a valuable piece for the White Sox moving forward. His future is a bit questionable, even with the high pedigree that he has. Coming back from TJS for a pitcher always leaves some questioning and wondering ‘what could’ve been.’ The White Sox hope Dunning can fully recovery and live up that high pedigree. Dunning should be pitching for the White Sox at some point in the near future.

7. Luis Alexander Basabe, OF

Age: 23

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

The White Sox have a crowded outfield at the major league level and their farm system is not different. Basabe, who is on the White Sox 40-man roster, is someone who has always had potential to hit for some modest power and swipe some bases. He only registered 17 XBH over the course of 315 plate appearances in 2019. Like many others on this list, 2020 will be an important year for Basabe as a bit of a step forward is needed for him.

8. Micker Adolfo, OF

Age: 23

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

Arthroscopic elbow surgery ended Adolfo’s 2019 campaign in Birmingham after just 23 games. This was a tough blow for a prospect who has already underwent Tommy John surgery in year’s past. If Adolfo can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a stud and top five prospect in this organization in the near future, but being 23 and with an underperforming return to the AZL, 2020 will be a big year for Adolfo.

9. Zack Collins, C

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: MLB

Collins had his time to shine in the majors in 2019, but like many, struggled to transition his game to the major league level. To my surprise, many Sox fans began to write Collins off as the catcher of the future. He returned to Charlotte and had an overall impressive end to the year. Grandal and McCann seem to have a stranglehold on the catcher position for this year, but I still think of Collins as the catcher of the future.



Tier 3

10. Blake Rutherford, OF

Age: 22

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

To say Rutherford has not lived up to expectations would be an understatement. The once highly touted Yankees prospect was acquired by the White Sox in 2017 and since being acquired has shown flashes of brilliance, but unfortunately, flashes are not going to cut it. With a slash line of .265/.319/.365 for the entire 2019 season, Rutherford had a few hot summer months, but cooled off during some AZL action. Rutherford should see some time in Charlotte this year.

11. Luis Gonzalez, OF

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

Another outfielder in the system and one of the lesser touted prospects, Gonzalez is a solid all-around ballplayer. He certainly has a plus glove, but won’t light up eyes with his approach at the plate. As mentioned, the White Sox have a crowded outfield so I’m not quite sure where Gonzalez fits in unless he tears the leather off the ball to start 2020.

12. Matthew Thompson, RHP

Age: 19

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Arizona League)

The second round draft pick in 2019 was arguably the best prep school pitching prospect in the entire draft. His offspeed stuff is what I’m looking forward to most as he begins to get some more innings under his belt in the White Sox system. I think he has one of the highest ceilings of all pitching prospects in this organization not named Michael Kopech.

13. Andrew Dalquist, RHP

Age: 19

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Arizona League)

After drafting Thompson in the second round, the White Sox went prep arm again in the 3rd round by drafting Dalquist. Unlike Thompson, I think Dalquist has a fastball that will end up being his out pitch when it comes down to it. Still growing and maturing into his body, I wouldn’t be surprised if he increased his velocity a bit more on it and continued to impress with it. Also, similar to Thompson above, I look forward to seeing Dalquist get some more innings under his belt.

14. Bernardo Flores, LHP

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

A nice slew of pitchers at this point in the list is met with a pair of southpaws; the first being Flores. Flores, in my eyes, is the best left handed pitcher in this entire system for the White Sox and due to this, I think has the potential to play a role at some point in the starting rotation for the White Sox. The guy just gets batters out. He won’t blow you away with velocity, but has the command that most pitchers dream of having. A spot on the active 40-man roster to go along with an impressive 2019 WHIP of 1.14 during over the course of 15 starts has many believing Flores could see major league playing time in 2020.

15. Konnor Pilkington, LHP

Age: 22

Highest 2019 level: A+ (Winston Salem)

The second southpaw of the two is Pilkington. Pilkington didn’t see the success that most expected to see out of him in 2019, as he saw his fastball command drop as well as his velocity drop a bit. Pilkington isn’t going to strike out a lot of batters, but I think could be an important role come 2022.

16. Jimmy Lambert, RHP

Age: 25

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

Rounding out this run of pitchers, Lambert started 11 games for the Barons in 2019. Although he wasn’t overly impressive, a spot on the 40-man roster gives White Sox fans an idea of what the front office thinks of Lambert. Lambert is a pitcher that has four pitches in his arsenal, however, time is ticking for Lambert to make that jump that some have expected to see.

17. Danny Mendick, IF

Age: 25

Highest 2019 level: MLB

Mendick is the Swiss Army Knife of the White Sox farm system as he truly is a player that can play pretty much any position in the field. In 2019 alone, he registered time at 2B, SS, 3B, and the outfield. Every team needs a guy like this and the White Sox got that in Mendick last year. Mendick had an impressive batting average of .308 over the course of his time at the major league level and will continue to look to succeed in that role in the near future. Once other prospects get promoted to the major leagues, however, Mendick may find himself struggling to find some time in the field. His versatileness will definitely be used to his advantage until then.

18. Gavin Sheets, 1B

Age: 23

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

Sheets is a homegrown talent who took some strides forward in 2019 proving as to why he was once thought to be a for sure major leaguer. Although Sheets may have the skillset to a solid major league first baseman, the White Sox re-signed Jose Abreu this offseason, and have Andrew Vaughn waiting in the ranks to take over as the first basemen of the future. Even Zack Collins could play a role in blocking Sheets’s path to the majors, however, a strong opening start to the year in Charlotte would leave White Sox personnel needing to make a decision.

19. James Beard, OF

Age: 19

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Arizona League)

The 2019 4th round pick, Beard, drew comps to Billy Hamilton prior to the draft. You simply can’t argue against 80 grade speed. This 18-year-old has plenty of raw potential, but will need to fine tune some skills as his body continues to mature. His speed certainly is enough to have him rated high on many White Sox lists.

20. Lenyn Sosa, SS

Age: 19

Highest 2019 level: A (Kannapolis)

Sosa is a 19-year-old shortstop with a very strong glove up the middle. I’d love to see Sosa have another successful year in Kannapolis in 2020 with hopes of him fine tuning his approach at the plate. The White Sox have some really talented middle infielders in the system and I think Sosa is towards the top of that list. If he can develop some power, look out.

21. Bryce Bush, 3B/OF

Age: 20

Highest 2019 level: A (Kannapolis)

Just out of my top 25 during the midseason rankings, I have Bush coming in at #21 on this list. Bush has a great skill set, and transitioned into an outfield role last year. Time will tell if that’s the position they stick with, but it looks like it as that’s where he spent the majority of his team. I was so pumped when the White Sox drafted Bush in 2018 and was even more pumped when they were able to sign him. I think being so young, raw, and talented as he is, Kannapolis again this year would be of benefit with further promotions looming.

22. Tyler Johnson, RHP

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

I’m pretty high on Johnson playing a role in the White Sox bullpen. All he has done since being drafted is pitch well. Through three seasons in varying levels, a 2.27 ERA, a 13.2 K/9, and a 1.10 WHIP have the White Sox pretty confident that Johnson’s success could translate well at the major league level. Like others in this organization, however, it seems like when these pitchers get to AAA, the struggles begin. We will see if Johnson can overcome this in 2020.

23. DJ Gladney, 3B

Age: 18

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Arizona League)

As mentioned in my midseason top 50 last year, Gladney may be one of my favorite prospects in the entire White Sox organization. Drafted in the 16th round of last year’s draft, Gladney is a local product and being only 18 slashed an impressive .264/.309/.428 in 50 games. Like many others in this system, Gladney strikes out often. With some improvement on his discipline, I expect Gladney to see playing time in Great Falls in 2020.

24. Ian Hamilton, RHP

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: AAA (Charlotte)

Hamilton was thought to for sure be a guy pitching in the White Sox bullpen in 2019 after pitching 8.0 innings of major league ball in 2018. A car crash sidelined Hamilton during Spring Training, which was then later followed by a freak injury during batting practice in June. 2020 could be the fresh start that Hamilton needs and quite frankly, deserves. Expect to see Hamilton in the White Sox bullpen this year.

Tier 4



25. Zack Burdi, RHP

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

Although Burdi hasn’t really lived up to the first round hype that surrounded him when drafted in 2016, I still expect to see him pitch for the White Sox in 2020. Knee surgery ended his year early last year so the White Sox are hoping for a bounceback campaign in 2020; potentially one that will lead him to be a bullpen guy for the Sox.

26. Luis Mieses, OF

Age: 19

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Great Falls)

There are a couple trends you’ll see on my top 50 list, if you haven’t already: underperforming prospects that have high pedigree and raw, talented youth that could trend upwards if all goes well. Mieses falls in the latter group as this 19-year-old has the tools to be a corner outfielder that has some pop in his bat. He struck out often in 2019, but looks to work on that craft as he most likely will spend more time for the Voyagers this year.

27. Seby Zavala, C

Age: 26

Highest 2019 level: MLB

Zavala made his major league debut in 2019 and the plate, his twelve plate appearances are certainly ones he’d like to have back. He only recorded one hit posting a .083 batting average during that time. Although he didn’t blow anyone away at the plate, the White Sox still praise Zavala. The catcher position for the White Sox is sure an interesting Zavala being one of five catchers on the active roster.

28. Yolbert Sanchez, IF

Age: 22

Highest 2019 level: Domincan Summer League

After being signed for $2.5 million from the international pool, Sanchez came into the White Sox with some high praise. In the Dominican Summer League, he had an OPS of .827 which is definitely something to keep an eye on. Sanchez has an average bat, but what sets him apart from other middle infielders is his glove. Should he perform well at the plate in 2020, expect a nice bump come midseason.

29. Yermin Mercedes, C

Age: 26

Highest 2019 level: AAA (Charlotte)

The case of Yermin Mercedes is an interesting one. Mercedes mashed the ball in AA and AAA in 2019, but never saw time in the majors. It’s clear Mercedes can mash the ball, but I’m not sure if he ever will for the White Sox. The White Sox clearly have some hopes for Mercedes as they protected him during the Rule 5 Draft by putting him on their active roster, but it’s just unclear on how. With the signing of Grandal, all-star James McCann, and two catchers ahead of him on this list, 2020 should be interesting, to say the least.

30. Jake Burger, 3B

Age: 23

Highest 2019 level: N/A

As noted with others, injuries have totally derailed some once highly touted White Sox prospects. When the drafted Burger with the 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft, they never would’ve imagined the roller coaster it’s been since then. Multiple achilles tears, foot issues during rehab, and other nagging injuries cost Burger the entire 2019 campaign. Although it’s been a bit of a rocky road, a fresh start in 2020 just may be what Burger needs.

31. Jose Rodriguez, OF

Age: 18

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Arizona League)

Rodriguez is another one of my favorite prospects in this system. He flies a bit under the radar as he’s very raw, but very talented and has shown that in the Sox org. A slashline of .293/.328/.505 while being nearly two years younger than others in the AZL is something that shines bright for this J-Rod. He hit 9 home runs to go along with seven steals. With a strikeout rate lower than 25%, Rodriguez has the potential to bolt up this list.

32. Matt Foster, RHP

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: AAA (Charlotte)

Foster started the year in Birmingham and was lights out, allowing zero runs in 9.2 innings of relief work and only allowing two walks in that time. Foster then made nearly 40 appearances out of the bullpen for AAA Charlotte posting a 3.76 ERA. Foster is on the White Sox 40-man roster so expect to see Foster pitching for the White Sox in 2020.

33. Codi Heuer, RHP

Age: 23

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

Heuer shined as a reliever in 2018 leaving some in the White Sox organization thinking they’ve found yet another bullpen piece that would help during the rebuild. Although the outlook is still in the bullpen, during his brief time with Charlotte in 2019, Heuer struggled a bit posting a WHIP of nearly 2.00.

34. Alec Hansen, RHP

Age: 25

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

Yet another White Sox prospect who once was rated so highly has fallen even out of the top 30. Hansen was supposed to be a valuable piece in the White Sox rebuild, however, his control issues have been apparent since the start in the White Sox system. Hansen had a WHIP higher than 2.00 during his time with the Barons in 2019; something that is quite alarming.

35. Kade McClure, RHP

Age: 23

Highest 2019 level: A+ (Winston-Salem)

McClure is a former 6th round pick out of Louisville and when healthy, has shown he has major league potential. Having not exceeded High-A, McClure posted a 3.25 ERA in 22 starts between the Carolina League and Southern Atlantic League. I expect McClure to pitch at Birmingham in 2020 and hopefully will continue to put up solid numbers.

36. Kyle Kubat, RHP

Age: 27

Highest 2019 level: AAA (Charlotte)

Being a 27-year-old prospect is never anything to get excited about, however, Kubat performed very well during eight starts with the Barons in 2019. With that success, he was transitioned to Charlotte where the success was not as apparent. Time will tell what role Kubat will play, if any, for the White Sox.

37. Lincoln Henzman, RHP

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

I was a big fan of the Henzman draft pick in 2017 and he performed well in 2018, but 2019 was a bit of a different story. Henzman had a ERA north of 5.00 during his time with the Dash and Barons. Henzman does not strike many batters out as seen in his 2019 4.6 K/9 rate. The White Sox still hope Henzman can be a bullpen arm in the future.

38. Will Kincanon, RHP

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: A+ (Winston-Salem)

A 2019 Carolina League All-Star, Kincanon was as good as they come in the bullpen for the Dash in 2019. With a 1.86 ERA in 42 appearances, Kincanon showed off his strikeout ability averaging 11 K/9. Kincanon could be on pace to make appearances at Guaranteed Rate Field in 2020 if he continues to excel in the bullpen role he shined in.



Tier 5

39. Laz Rivera, IF

Age: 25

Highest 2019 level: AA (Birmingham)

Rivera profiles as middle infielder spending some time at SS and 2B in 2019 with the Barons. Unlike many of the other infielders on the list, he spent the entire season with Birmingham. During the second half of 2018, Rivera showed some nice raw power, putting some nice pop on the ball for a middle infielder, however, that failed to translate during the 2019 season.

40. Benyamin Bailey, OF

Age: 18

Highest 2019 level: Dominican Summer League

In the DOSL last year, Bailey raked. Slashing .324/.477/.454, it was clear the 18-year-old outfielder has potential to be a breakout prospect for this farm system. Although he currently is in Tier 5, don’t be surprised if he shoots up to a higher tier come midseason or 2021.

41. Luis Curbelo, SS

Age: 22

Highest 2019 level: A (Kannapolis)

2019 was a rocky road for Curbelo. He struggled mightily to start the year in Kannapolis, was demoted down to Great Falls and bounced back nicely. He still strikes out quite a bit, but with some improvement there, expect to see Curbelo back in Kannapolis for 2020. Curbelo has plenty of raw talent and is someone I’d like to keep an eye on going forward in 2020.

42. Joel Booker, OF

Age: 25

Highest 2019 level: AAA (Charlotte)

Booker started the year off strong in Birmingham in 2019 and was rewarded with a promotion to Charlotte where he played in 26 games. He struggled a bit didn’t during that time, barely hitting over the Mendoza Line. Booker has some nice speed, but will need to hone on his stolen base efficiency. There is a chance that Booker could make it to the South Side, but does not have the pedigree of some of the other outfielders above him have on this list.

43. Spencer Adams, RHP

Age: 23

Highest 2019 level: AAA (Charlotte)

Adams did not play all that much in 2019 due to some back issues. He profiles as long reliever for the White Sox. There is a chance he could see some live action in the majors this season, but being off of the 40-man roster leaves his future a bit hazy.

44. Bryan Ramos, 3B/1B/DH

Age: 17

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Arizona League)

Hitting 17 extra base hits in as a 17-year-old will definitely put your name on the map like it did for Ramos in 2019. Ramos hopes to continue to impress as he is sure to spend some time with the Great Falls in 2020.

45. Avery Weems, LHP

Age: 22

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Great Falls)

The 2019 6th round draft pick had a very strong 2019 campaign. Starting his season in the AZL, Weems only let up one earned up in 13 innings of work. Upon playing in the Pioneer League, Weems continued to succeed posting a 2.47 ERA in 14 starts. His college ball stats at Arizona didn’t jump off the page, but Weems seems to have found his role as a starting pitcher in the Sox organization.

46. Anderson Comas, OF

Age: 19

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Great Falls)

Turning 20 next month, Comas is an interesting prospect for the White Sox. He was not on either of my last Prospects1500 Top 50 lists but performed better than his 2019 stats show. He is someone I’m watching heading into 2019.

47. Luis Ledo, RHP

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: A+ (Winston-Salem)

Similar to Kincanon above, Ledo shined as a reliever for the Dash in 2019. He will look to bring down his walk rate a bit in 2020, but should look forward to being pushed higher in the farm, especially if he continues to develop his slider into his out pitch.

48. Elijah Tatis, IF

Age: 18

Highest 2019 level: Dominican Summer League

Yes, we all know the White Sox once had Fernando Tatis Jr. in their system. That is beyond the point. What isn’t is the 2019 signing of his younger brother, Elijah. Elijah impressed scouts with his bat as well as in the field. Tatis struggled a bit in the Dominican Summer League, but with his bloodline, he definitely deserves a spot here.

49. Alex Destino, OF

Age: 24

Highest 2019 level: A+ (Winston-Salem)

Although a bit older than his fellow teammates down in Kannapolis, Destino had a really strong 2019 campaign. He slashed a modest .298/.376/.476 during his stint with the Voyagers. He also had 16 PA for the Dash in High-A ball, however, struggled mightily during those.

50. Lency Delgado, IF

Age: 20

Highest 2019 level: Rookie Ball (Great Falls)

A 2018 fourth round pick, Delgado was drafted out of Doral Academy Prep School as a middle infielder. With the Voyagers in 2019, Delgado was trialed at 3B in 15 games, yet made 7 errors. Delgado will need to improve upon his fielding in 2020 and will continue to fine tune his plate discipline moving forward. He struck out on nearly 38% of his plate appearances.