Just Missed: Prospects just outside the Preseason 2021 Top 30

Welcome to Rankings Week, preseason 2021! Twice a year, we rank the top prospects in the White Sox system. With the offseason behind us, the schedule of events looks like this:

• Monday: Just missed
• Tuesday: Prospects ranked 16-30
• Wednesday: The full list
• Thursday: Writers’ roundtable discussion of the rankings
• Friday: Mailbag questions

Each day there will also be a top 30 from one of our voters that will be released for Patreon subscribers.

The White Sox farm system is very top heavy and packed with elite prospects, but there’s a lot of uncertainty behind the top names. Overall, the system is in a much better place than when the rebuilding process broke ground in 2016. Since our last list in September, three prospects have “graduated” (Luis Robert, Codi Heuer and Matt Foster) and Dane Dunning was traded. Additionally, some more information has been gathered about players from workouts and fall instructional league.

That brings us to this list: 25 players who did not make the top 30 this cycle, but who our writers discussed and considered in some fashion. The depth of talent on the farm means that even these players (and maybe more) are legitimate prospects. Check out our last version of this “just missed” group from the fall. These are prospects on the edge of the radar and history suggests that some will contribute value down the line in some form.

Note: Players are listed in alphabetical order

Jason Bilous, RHP

The hard-throwing right-hander was a 13th round selection out of Coastal Carolina in the 2018 draft. The 23-year-old posted a 3.70 ERA while averaging 9.72 K/9 and 5.25 BB/9 in 104 innings with Low-A Kannapolis in 2019. Bilous’ command struggles are as apparent as ever, but the stuff is still quite stellar. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder throws a 60-grade fastball that sits in the 94-96 mph range with a 55-grade hard slider as well. Bilous has started his own wood working company in his spare time and he shared his workouts with White Sox coaches on weekly Zoom calls during the shutdown.

Bilous has significant reliever risk mostly due to poor command, but he also possesses a long arm action that often leaves him out of sync with his release point. The White Sox paid him an over-slot bonus. They will continue to develop him as a starting pitcher for the time being. Bilous reached 99 mph in shorter stints in the Cape Cod League and has the stuff to pitch in a high-leverage relief role if he can get the command in check. He participated in fall instructional league action with the White Sox. Coaches worked on continuing to keep the arm path shorter in order to do a better job with delivery repetition. Bilous worked during instructs to add a curveball as well. He likely heads to High-A in 2021 to play for the Winston-Salem Dash.

Isaiah Carranza, RHP

The White Sox drafted Carranza in the 12th round of the 2018 draft out of Azusa Pacific and signed him to an over-slot bonus of $175,000. MLB Pipeline ranked the Oregon transfer as the #166 overall player in the draft. The 6-foot-5, 180-pounder hasn’t played a game for a Sox affiliate after undergoing Tommy John Surgery immediately after the draft. In his draft year, Carranza really stood out in the Northwoods League during the summer and pumped fastballs up to 95 mph. There is some projection left and velocity to be added as well. He also throws a low 80s slider with depth and tilt and has the upside of a back end starter.

The 23-year-old told FutureSox that he’s healthy and his body feels great. The rehab went smoothly and the organization took things slow due to the shutdown in 2020. Carranza noted that he feels stronger than ever and he’s ready to get out to an affiliate in 2021. During fall instructs, Carranza worked on some “lower half mechanical cues.” The goal was to stay closed with the front half which will increase the spin rate and action on his pitches. Carranza is also working on altering his slider grips and trying to create more power and drive with his lower half.

Anderson Comas, OF

This 6-foot-3, 185-pound outfielder was signed out of the Dominican Republic in the White Sox’s 2016 international class. His lengthy, projectable frame led the organization to spend $425,000 to get him in the fold. Like most players signed in the international market, Comas began his career in the Dominican Summer League and showed future power potential. He played stateside for the first time in 2018 and hit .306 in the AZL. Baseball America still believes in the potential as he’s listed as the No. 32 prospect in the system in their most recent handbook. The publication indicates that the “raw power is still worth betting on.”

Comas is loaded with projection, but hasn’t gained the requisite strength necessary to this point. The left-handed hitter possesses a great frame, above average raw power mostly displayed in batting practice and above average speed and defensive skills. Comas shows below average exit velocity numbers and swing changes will be needed for him to lock into more power. Comas was expected to begin the 2020 season with Low-A Kannapolis, but a repeat of Great Falls where he slashed just .222/.251/.351 with 15 extra base hits wasn’t out of the question. The 21-year-old could now head to High-A Winston-Salem due to the number crunch in the minors.

Lency Delgado, SS

Delgado was promoted to Great Falls in 2019 where he was likely to repeat again in 2020. The infielder hit .274/.325/.377 with two homers while striking out at a 37.5% clip. He rebounded to post an 88 wRC+ after struggling for a big portion of the Pioneer League season. The 21-year-old signed with the White Sox for $525,000 after beings selected out of Doral Academy near Miami in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder possesses great athleticism and a strong throwing arm making him capable of playing at third base in addition to shortstop.

The premium raw power that was touted as an amateur hasn’t shown up consistently in affiliated ball as a professional. Strength and approach changes may be needed to reach the promise he once showed. With no short season advanced rookie affiliate in 2021, Delgado will likely report to Low-A Kannapolis this coming season. He worked out on his own under a plan given by the White Sox player development staff and he checked in with coaches weekly during the season as well. Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs recently ranked Delgado as the No. 28 prospect in the system. “He’s built like a college linebacker and bigger and faster than many same-aged college players in this year’s draft,” said the prospect evaluator. It was noted that Lency is “really explosive with significant raw power but a bad plate approach really limits him.”

Duke Ellis, OF

The White Sox signed Ellis as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 draft. Duke signed for $20,000 as a senior out of the University of Texas. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound outfielder hit .302 as a senior and displayed his normal standout defensive tools. Ellis also led the Longhorns in walks in 2019. In his college career, the 23-year-old batted .281 with two homers, five triples, 13 doubles and 40 stolen bases in 126 games in the Big 12.

Duke’s father Robert Ellis played four season in the big leagues and was a member of the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks championship squad. He profiles in center field and participated in fall instructional league for the White Sox in Glendale. Ellis should begin the 2021 season in Winston-Salem playing for the Dash. Baseball America recently called him the “best defensive outfielder” in the system.

Logan Glass, OF

Selected in the 22nd round in the 2019 draft, Glass signed for an over-slot bonus of $170,000. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound outfielder played in 17 games for the AZL White Sox that summer. The 19-year-old hit .284/.342/.404 with five doubles and a home run in Arizona. Glass was noticeably bigger according to evaluators in spring training last year and he was slated for Great Falls in 2020. Glass can play center field currently, but could have enough bat for a corner in the future.

While at Mustang High School in Oklahoma, Prep Baseball Report tracked him extensively. Glass possesses a right-handed swing with solid bat speed and an all fields approach. Logan shows an aptitude for growth as well and already shows opposite field power. PBR states that he had an “advanced frame with strength and long legs with quick twitch actions.” At the plate, Glass employs a narrow, open and upright stance while using a moderate leg kick and load before pulling his hands through the zone. Glass had been working out on his own and the White Sox tracked his progress using a customized Motus sleeve. He participated in fall instructs and it was apparent that he’d added even more strength. Glass likely stays in Arizona and returns to the complex league for rookie ball once again.

Ronaldo Guzman, LHP

Guzman has been on the radar since Baseball America’s Ben Badler called him an intriguing sleeper prospect last year. The 18-year-old lefty posted a 4.53 ERA with a 3.19 FIP in the Dominican Summer League in 2019. He was really young for the level and struck out 76 batters over 51 2/3 innings. The southpaw was the best pitching prospect on the DSL White Sox roster with a fastball that touches 91 mph with easy arm action. Guzman employs an athletic repeatable delivery and his calling card is an advanced changeup. He was signed for $75,000 out of the Dominican Republic and he could’ve made his stateside debut in 2020.

Guzman was working on his own in the Dominican Republic, likely with some instruction from the organization. He could debut stateside in 2021. He participated in fall instructs and the stuff was as advertised but he needs to pitch. Guzman was the youngest player on the instructional league roster and his fastball showed significant carry. Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs wrote that his fastball was in the upper 80’s and it could be an impact pitch down the road. He’s likely headed to the Arizona Rookie League this summer.

Alec Hansen, RHP

Hansen ranked 24th on our midseason list in 2019, but has since fallen off. A second-round pick from 2016 who showed so much promise early on, but has struggled of late. The 6-foot-7 righty from Oklahoma led the minor leagues in strikeouts in 2017 after punching out 191 hitters over the course of 141 1/3 innings. Hansen received some prospect love and even landed on some top 100 lists, but 2018 was an absolute disaster. His stuff deteriorated, command waned further and injuries compiled.

He was moved to the bullpen full-time in 2019 and averaged almost 15 K/9 in 13 innings with Winston-Salem to start 2019. In 39 2/3 innings in Birmingham though, Hansen posted a 5.45 ERA while averaging 10.21 K/9 and 8.39 BB/9. The 26-year-old still possesses big league stuff with a 60-grade fastball and curveball. He was left unprotected from the Rule 5 draft the past two Decembers, but remains in the organization. Hansen was expected to return to Double-A Birmingham this past season. He worked out on his own but did participate during instructional league this fall. Hansen likely gets one more shot in 2021 and he’ll report to a high level affiliate.

Will Kincanon, RHP

The 24-year-old right-hander was selected in the 11th round of the 2017 draft out of Indiana State and signed for $150K. He attended suburban Riverside-Brookfield High School and was a top 200 draft prospect according to MLB Pipeline in advance of his draft year. Kincanon induces lots of soft contact and has a solid ground ball rate. The righty has been very solid in his three minor league seasons. In 58 innings in the Carolina League in 2019, Kincanon sported a 1.86 ERA with a 2.98 xFIP. He averaged 11.02 K/9, but walked 4.03. He was stellar in high leverage roles. Will projects as a middle reliever in the big leagues.

He was expected to return to Double-A to pitch for the Barons this season. Kincanon wasn’t selected in the Rule 5 Draft this December. He had been working out on his own and partaking in weekly Zoom calls with members of the White Sox player development staff. Kincanon was listed as the No. 28 prospect in the system over at MLB Pipeline recently.

Johnabiell Laureano, OF

Laureano is a 6-feet, 180-pound outfielder who was signed out of the Dominican Republic in February 2018. The 19-year-old was expected to come stateside and play in games for the Arizona League affiliate this past year. Johnabiell posted a .591 OPS in his first professional season in the DSL in 2018. He really broke out in 2019 though. He posted a .357/.437/.543 triple slash with a 167 wRC+ over 59 games. Laureano showed some power potential with six homers and he struck out 43 times with 28 walks. He should be able to stay in center field. He should be part of the outfield mix in rookie ball going forward and is a name to watch.

Cristian Mena, RHP

Ben Badler provided a glowing review for the now 17-year-old righty. He praised the pitcher on the FutureSox Podcast as well. Mena was the best pitcher signed in the White Sox 2019 class for $250,000 out of the Dominican Republic. The 6-foot-2, 170-pounder possesses starter traits with an athletic, projectable body. He has a relatively easy delivery and feel for three pitches. Badler called Mena a “solid strike thrower” with a fastball that can already reach 91 mph. He pairs the heater with a power breaking ball that elicits very high spin rates and almost morphs into a slider at times. The heavy rotation on the curveball makes it a future out pitch. Mena also has the feel for an average changeup. He was likely to return to the Dominican Summer League, but he’s a name to watch for the Arizona League in 2021.

Jefferson Mendoza, C

Mendoza was signed out of Venezuela for $300,000 in 2017 by Marco Paddy and his staff. The 19-year-old backstop is a right-handed hitting catcher that stands 6-feet and 170 pounds. Jefferson was signed due to his excellent blocking and receiving ability. He also possesses a plus throwing arm. Mendoza struggled with the bat during his first season in the Dominican Summer League, but posted eye-popping totals in 2019. In 33 games behind the dish, Mendoza hit .305/.391/.484 with a 141 wRC+ and three homers. Mendoza uses a middle-of-the-field approach on offense and has a compact frame. He has a chance to provide average power potential and projects as a starting catcher in the big leagues if his ceiling can be achieved. He was expected to play stateside ball in 2020, likely with the AZL White Sox after beginning the year in extended spring training. 

Mendoza was the No. 30 prospect in the system on our midseason ranking and he falls off the list on this version. Baseball America recently noted that Mendoza needs to polish his game on both sides of the ball. The 20-year-old participated in fall instructional league and he could get an opportunity to play for a full season affiliate for the first time in 2021.

Yermin Mercedes, C

The 28-year-old had a breakout season in 2019. The 5-foot-11, 225-pound slugger hit .327/.389/.497 with a 157 wRC+ and six homers in 42 games with the Birmingham Barons. Mercedes then went to Charlotte and the numbers were absolutely bonkers. In 53 games, Yermin hit .310/.386/.647 with a 150 wRC+ and .418 wOBA. The super baseball used in the International League could have been a contributing factor, but 17 homers with an ISO of .337 is staggering nonetheless. Mercedes also walked at an 11% clip as well.

He was acquired in the minor league phase of the 2017 Rule 5 Draft. In addition to catcher, he played some first and third base for the Knights as well. Mercedes is regarded as a poor defender at every position, but was added to the 40-man roster in advance of last year’s Rule 5 Draft anyway. Rick Hahn has suggested that his defense is farther along than some outsiders think, but actions will speak louder than words in that regard. Mercedes was in big league camp and spent the season with the alternate site roster in Schaumburg. He made his big league debut and traveled on the taxi squad regularly for road games. Mercedes is in the mix for a job with the White Sox in 2021.

Luis Mieses, OF

Mieses is another member of the 2016 international signing class for the White Sox. The 21-year-old was signed out of the Dominican Republic because of his projectable frame and short, compact left-handed swing. Mieses has offensive upside with strong hands and wrists, but the tools have yet to translate. Evaluators still think there’s some power and physical upside to be reached and Baseball America ranked the outfielder as the No. 33 prospect in the system recently.

Mieses slots into a corner outfield spot. He really struggled with the Great Falls Voyagers in 2019. The lanky outfielder hit just .241/.264/.359 but did hit four homers. Baseball America still believes in the potential as they had him ranked as the No. 20 prospect in the system prior to the pandemic. The organization was debating whether to send Mieses back to rookie ball or promote him to Low-A Kannapolis for the 2020 season. It would’ve been a significant development year for the outfielder as he competes with a very crowded organizational outfield picture. He likely reports to High-A Winston-Salem now due to the roster crunch in the low minors.

McKinley Moore, RHP

Moore throws very hard and racked up 32 strikeouts in 22 innings in rookie ball to close out 2019. The 22-year-old fireballer was a 14th round pick in 2019 out of Arkansas-Little Rock. Moore is a 6-foot-6, 225-pounder who was a multi-sport athlete in high school. After signing, Moore posted a 4.11 FIP in the Arizona League in 19.1 innings while averaging 12.57 K/9 and 7.9 BB/9. He rebounded after a rough start and closed out the season with Great Falls. Moore posted a 0.00 ERA over three innings.

He was likely to start the 2020 season with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in Low-A. Moore could move quickly in a relief role. Moore was in contact with White Sox coaches throughout the shutdown and he impressed evaluators during fall instructs. He’s transitioning to throwing a slider as his main secondary offering and he’s used the organization’s pitch lab to dig into the analytics of the pitch. McKinley threw more strikes in instructs according to scouts and that will be important for him going forward. Control and command will always be key for Moore and he’s looking ahead to pitching in A ball in 2021.

Tyler Osik, C

The White Sox selected Osik in the 27th round out of Central Florida in 2019. The now 24-year-old with a right/right profile reported to the Arizona Rookie League and struggled while playing first base as a senior sign. He hit .271/.346/.373 with 18 runs driven in out in Arizona. Then, in 26 games with Kannapolis in 2019, Osik posted a 160 wRC+ with five homers. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder transitioned to catcher full-time and he shared his journey with FutureSox earlier this year.

Osik has enough bat, but the key will be his transition to catching full-time. He participated in fall instructional league and worked extensively with the young pitching staff who he will likely catch in the low minors in 2021. Osik likely begins the year at Low-A with Kannapolis, but he could make the trek to Winston-Salem at the outset as well.

Konnor Pilkington, LHP

Pilkington was thought of as a potential first-round pick after his sophomore year at Mississippi State, but inconsistency has plagued him ever since. Both his performances and his stuff have been inconsistent. Pilkington proved to be too good for Low-A Kannapolis to start 2019 and he earned a promotion after six starts. At Winston-Salem, things didn’t go as well. He had a 4.99 ERA with 96 strikeouts and 39 walks in 95.2 innings. He turned 24 in September and he hasn’t yet reached Double-A.

The White Sox selected Pilkington in the third round back in 2018 and his stuff has backed up a bit since entering professional ball. The southpaw still possesses pitchability, however, and he should throw for the Birmingham Barons in 2021. Pilkington participated in fall instructs and he’s looking to get his career back on track during this upcoming season. The 6-foot-3 225 pound lefty projects as a back end starter.

Zach Remillard, INF

Remillard was a 10th round selection by the White Sox out of Coastal Carolina back in 2016. The senior sign has worked his way through the system. He was being used in a utility role at the alternate site camp in Schaumburg. His exit velocity numbers are improved and he has up and down utility player upside. The 26-year-old posted a 117 wRC+ in High-A in 2019, but struggled during his audition in Birmingham. He is 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds and can play all over the infield. Remillard received an invite to big league spring training and he’ll serve as utility depth. He should fill a starting infield role in the high minors in 2021.

Yoelvin Silven, RHP

Baseball America and Fangraphs have both noted Silven in a group of “intriguing White Sox prospects” far down their respective lists. He was signed out of the Dominican Republic in May 2018 and immediately went to the Dominican Summer League. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-hander posted a 3.66 ERA and struck out nearly 10 hitters per nine in 64 innings in the DSL. In 15 games, his 2.78 xFIP produced 71 strikeouts in 64 innings. In 2019, Silven started in the AZL where he threw 44 innings. The righty punched out 51 hitters and induced lots of weak contact while only walking just over one hitter per nine. He posted a 3.48 ERA with an xFIP of 3.05.

The 21-year-old earned a late season promotion to Great Falls in the Pioneer League. He got roughed up a bit in seven innings but posted a 2.63 FIP and averaged 10.23 K/9. Silven has started in the past but could move quickly in a relief role. His fastball touched 96 mph frequently during fall instructs. The righty has below average present secondary stuff, but the White Sox are “tinkering with a couple different breaking balls” according to Fangraphs. Silven likely pitches for one of the A ball affiliates in 2021 and he’s a name to keep on the radar.

Lenyn Sosa, SS

Sosa did not have a productive offensive season in 2019, but he was just 19 in Low-A Kannapolis. He hit .251/.292/.371 in 122 games. The power potential is respectable for a middle infielder and his strikeout rate was solid (19%), although he didn’t walk much. The Venezuelan hasn’t really had a standout season with the bat, but has been aggressively pushed so far. It would have been interesting to see where the White Sox sent him in 2020. Indications were that the club was going to be aggressive and send the shortstop to Winston-Salem to play with the Dash in High-A.

Sosa was on our list in 2019, but stays off in this iteration. He was a member of their star studded 2016 international class and he participated in fall instructs. Longenhagen noted that Sosa showed a “good knack for barreling balls” in Arizona and the veteran prospect writer thinks good positioning eventually moves him to second or third base. The 21-year-old does still have a chance to develop some power. He’s currently taking part in a minor league mini-camp in Glendale. Sosa likely starts the 2021 season in High-A.

Bennett Sousa, LHP

The White Sox clearly like Sousa because he was with the alternate site group after pitching in the Arizona Fall League in 2019. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound lefty was a 10th round senior sign out of Virginia back in 2018. Bennett was the closer in college and he’s put up decent numbers against lefties during his minor league career. The 25-year-old made it to Double-A Birmingham in 2019 and he was slated to begin the 2020 campaign there as well. The southpaw posted a 2.70 ERA in Winston-Salem in 2019 with 32 strikeouts and just five walks in 30 innings pitched. He’s currently getting plenty of work in Glendale as a non-roster invite to spring training and should factor into the organization’s relief plans in the high minors this year. Sousa told FutureSox that he’s working on a new pitch and trying to become more efficient with his delivery.

Elijah Tatis, SS

The 19-year-old infielder was signed for $400,000 during the 2019 international signing period. The Dominican played in 25 games in the Dominican Summer League and struggled in 90 plate appearances. He did show an astute 14.4% walk rate which could be promising. Ben Badler of Baseball America called his arm “strong and accurate” and scouts have noted that the ball really “jumps off his bat.” There is a report in the publication’s international review that highlights the 5-foot-11, 160-pound infielder. Tatis possesses good hands, footwork and field awareness and should be able to stay at shortstop. Elijah has average speed and a slightly above average arm. At the dish, he shows a simple, repeatable right-handed swing with a solid eye for the strike zone. Tatis has added muscle mass, but he has more strength to gain. That overhaul is said to be well underway.

Marco Paddy met the media multiple times in recent months and he believes that Tatis “has the tools to become an every day shortstop.” Paddy also said “he’s making great strides and has been working very hard.” Paddy noted that Tatis is very polished defensively and that he handles the bat well and knows how to repeat his swing. “He’s not as tall as his brother but he’s very athletic,” Marco said. Tatis should make his stateside debut in Arizona later this summer.

Victor Torres, C

After the 2019 draft, Nick Hostetler told FutureSox that Torres “can really flat out catch and throw.” Hostetler stated that his defensive skills are, “elite and plus across the board.” The catcher was drafted in the 11th round out of Puerto Rico and signed for an over-slot bonus of $175,000.

Torres was ranked 25th in the system according to Baseball America before last season and their snippet lauds his “advanced ability to handle a pitching staff and call his own games as a 20-year-old.” Torres mostly controls the running game and threw out 30% of base stealers in the AZL. The young backstop struggles with framing and blocking at times and passed balls were an issue in games. He also must add strength to his frame. Torres really struggled offensively in 26 games in rookie ball and was slated to repeat the level in 2020. Torres likely returns to the Arizona Rookie League this summer.

Cabera Weaver, OF

Weaver was drafted in the seventh round in 2018 out of South Gwinnett, Ga. He plays center field and bats and throws from the right side. After signing, Weaver posted a 112 wRC+ with a 10% walk rate and stellar defensive skills on display in the AZL. In his first full season in 62 games with Great Falls, the 20-year-old struggled with a line of .254/.317/.377 and alarming strikeout totals.

The young outfielder is very skinny with top scale speed and athleticism. He projects as a difference maker defensively and possesses lots of upside, but he’s the type of player who could’ve been really impacted by the shutdown. Baseball America ranked Weaver at No. 21 overall in the White Sox system and they noted that the club really liked his “athleticism and relatively polished skills” out of high school. Scouts noticed a filled out body at fall instructs and strength gains are apparent.

Scouts also reported that Weaver has “shortened his swing” which gives evaluators more confidence in his ability to hit. The White Sox have tried to get him to incorporate his legs more in his swing which should help the now 21-year-old drive the ball. He’s a plus runner with a below average arm and he likely begins the 2021 season in Low-A with Kannapolis.

Seby Zavala, C

Zavala made his major league debut with the White Sox in 2019 and struggled in five games. The small sample wasn’t a big deal, but the struggles persisted in Triple-A with the Knights as well. The 27-year-old hit 20 homers and displayed above average power, but struck out at a 35% clip with a wRC+ of 89. The former 12th rounder had been excellent in 2018 with the Birmingham Barons in Double-A.

He currently has a spot on the 40-man roster, but is seemingly on the bubble if the organization signs another player to a major league deal. He possesses power and is adept at calling games and projects as a backup catcher. Zavala was likely stationed for another season with the Knights in Triple-A. He was at the club’s alternate site in Schaumburg for the duration of the 2020 season. His exit velocity readings have impressed the organization, but his hit tool is tough to work on without live action. Zavala likely serves as the starting catcher for the Charlotte Knights in 2021.

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