FutureSox is highlighting the 2023 Chicago White Sox top prospects by position. This iteration includes the notable catchers.
*Age listed in parenthesis
Carlos Pérez, (27)
- Last Played: Chicago White Sox
Carlos Pérez made his long-awaited debut with the White Sox last season as he appeared in 7 games across the final two months of the year. Pérez, who was signed by the organization as a teenager out of Venezuela, is beginning his ninth season with the White Sox. He’s been considered one of the best defensive receivers in the system for a while and his quick transfer allows him a chance to throw out base runners.
Perez is also one to make plenty of contact at the plate, though his 34 home runs over the past two seasons represent a strong increase in his power. Pérez profiles as an offensive minded backup catcher in the big leagues. He doesn’t strike out much, but he doesn’t walk often either. With Seby Zavala serving as the backup to Yasmani Grandal in Chicago, Pérez should remain one phone call away in Charlotte.
Adam Hackenberg, (24)
- Last Played: AA Birmingham
Hailing from a family of athletes, Adam Hackenberg was taken in the 18th round of the 2021 draft by the White Sox. He was far from a standout college player at Virginia Tech, but his defensive ability behind the plate and projectable swing made him worth a flier for the organization. He dominated to the tune of a .841 OPS in Low-A during his first professional season in 2021, but the offense took a noticeable step back at the next two levels of the Minor Leagues in 2022.
Adam Hackenberg #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/bE709ne52y
— Prospects Live (@ProspectsLive) November 7, 2022
Hackenberg is a very athletic and mobile catcher for someone listed as 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, which further builds his reputation as a strong defender. His 55-grade arm strength profiles as above average at the MLB level. Following a tough season that ended at double-A, Hackenberg looks to establish himself as the most well-rounded catcher in the Sox’s farm system.
Evan Skoug, (27)
- Last Played: AA Birmingham
Another older prospect in the catching ranks, Evan Skoug has yet to fully tap into the offensive upside he appeared to have when drafted by the White Sox out of TCU in 2017. However, he’s coming off his best season in which he played 69 games exclusively in Birmingham and put together an .825 OPS as his improved walk rate and increased quality of contact led to an increase in offensive value.
Tyler Osik, (26)
- Last Played: AA Birmingham
As the 800th overall pick in 2019, Tyler Osik had minimal expectations when joining the organization. The 26-year-old is likely more of a first baseman or designated hitter in the future as opposed to a catcher, as he only caught in 20 of his 103 games played last season. Osik allowed 32 of 35 base stealers to steal safely. Although, Osik was able to turn heads last season on the offensive side.
Big Moments you may have missed in 2022 #WhiteSox MiLB: ‘22 Southern Atlantic League Batting Champion Tyler Osik hits for the cycle on a 4-4 2RBI game. #Dash pic.twitter.com/xA7nR7aRCv
— White Sox Daily (@dailywhitesox) February 2, 2023
He was one of the best bats in Winston-Salem last season as he hit .310 with a .853 OPS during his 89 games played there. Osik will likely spend most of his time on the infield dirt or as a DH at Birmingham in 2023 as he looks to focus on becoming an impact bat for the White Sox.
Colby Smelley, (23)
- Last Played: A+ Winston-Salem
Colby Smelley is the youngest of the White Sox catching prospects and certainly has the most development left to do. He was drafted in the 13th round of the 2021 draft out of Shelton State Community College. The 23-year-old spent most of the season in low-A where he put up a .390 OBP in large part because of his high contact and walks rates.
He also walked 51 times across his 103 total MiLB games last season, showcasing quality plate discipline. His upside at the plate doesn’s look particularly high but he flashed quality contact at times. He was much less productive when promoted to high-A but he’ll look to improve there this season, where he’ll likely begin the year.
I hope the White Sox find some more catching help, and I hope some of these guys make some strong growth going forward.
Sebastian Rivero 24 years old is the 1st catcher up, not Carlos Perez
Not to nitpick 3rd catchers, but Carlos Perez is almost certainly Next Man Up. Only reason it would be Rivero is if Grifol has some indebtedness to him from his time in KC. Perez is almost certainly the objective better option from a performance standpoint