The White Sox are in the midst of a major rebuild. As a result of the trades of pitcher Chris Sale and centerfielder Adam Eaton, Chicago’s farm system has improved significantly. They now own some of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. Here are the Top 5 Chicago White Sox Prospects.
Top 5 Chicago White Sox Prospects
5. Carson Fulmer, RHP
Carson Fulmer was the White Sox 2015 first round pick out of Vanderbilt. He was the best starter on the Vandy 2014 College World Series Champion team. Fulmer has been moved from the rotation to the bullpen and back, and the team has attempted to change his delivery. In eigth games in the majors last season, he had a 8.49 ERA. He has an above average fastball and a power curveball. Both his change-up and cutter are still works in progress. Fulmer could be used as a closer, he just needs to get better command of his pitches.
4. Reynaldo Lopez, RHP
Reynaldo Lopez was acquired from the Nationals as part of the Adam Eaton trade. He has an electric fastball, a power curve, and a developing change-up. He has command issues at times as he tends to overthrow. Last season he made six starts in Washington and had a 5-3 record with a 4.91 ERA and 42 strikeouts. Chicago feels he has the ability to develop into a frontline starter.
3. Michael Kopech, RHP
Michael Kopech was acquired from the Red Sox as part of the Chris Sale trade. He is one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. His fastball is electric, topping out at 100 MPH. His fastball is complemented by a sinking change-up and a filthy slider. Kopech’s control and command are still a work in progress. In 12 minor league starts last season, the righty had a 4-1 record with a 2.25 ERA and 86 strikeouts. He has the ability to be an ace in the rotation.
2. Lucas Giolito, RHP
Like Lopez, Lucas Giolito was acquired from the Nationals in the Adam Eaton deal. Way back in 2012, the Nationals selected him in the first round. He is also regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. His fastball can touch triple digits at times and features some running action. He also throws a power curve and a sinking change-up. He got roughed around in his brief stint in the major last season as he had a 6.75 ERA over 21 innings. Giolito has the ability to be a franchise starter.
1. Yoan Moncada, 2B
Yoan Moncada was also acquired from the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade. He is regarded as the best second base prospect and one of the best prospects in all of baseball. Moncada has some tremendous bat speed and has a very patient effective approach at the plate. He is a switch hitter but has displayed more pop from the left side. Moncada also has some above average speed, as he stole 45 bases last season. Moncada will be the second baseman of the future for the White Sox.
