2023 Chicago White Sox Affiliate Preview: Birmingham Barons (Double-A)

By / / Affiliate Previews, FutureSox

The Chicago White Sox did something innovative and uniquely opportune in what they called “Project Birmingham” at the tail-end of 2022. Challenging a number of inexperienced prospects to Double-A competition was a chance for the organization to allow a core group of players a sneak peak of what’s to come.

A handful of farmhands who made their Barons debut last year will return to single-A at the start of Minor League Baseball season. On the other hand, several prospects who debuted as part of the aforementioned project earned an opportunity to begin 2023 in Birmingham.

The 2022 High-A coaching staff was called up to the Barons in 2023, as Lorenzo Bundy, Danny Farquhar and Nicky Delmonico will take lead in the clubhouse. Bundy will begin his second season with the organization as the new Barons’ manager. Danny Farquhar is set for his fourth season as a Minor League pitching coach, while Delmoico starts his second as hitting coach.

(Ages in parentheses as of July 1)

STARTERS

The rotation is headlined by top prospects Matt Thompson and Cristian Mena. Thompson was mentioned in the offseson by White Sox assistent general manager Chris Getz as among those on a short list of starters who are close to Big League ready. Mena, meanwhile, enters his second season as a starter and is coming off having pitched in Low-A Kannapolis, High-A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham as a 19-year-old.

Chase Solesky was a 21st round draft pick in 2019 and will return to Birmingham following just six innings pitched there last year. He amassed a 4.24 ERA in 110.1 innings at Winston-Salem in 2022. In two full seasons as a member of the organization, Solesky started in 55 of his 58 appearances and totaled 227 innings with a 1.396 WHIP.

Garrett Schoenle (SHANE-LEE) is a left-hander who was a 30th round draft pick out of high school by the Cincinnatti Reds, but declined to sign and pitched for the University of Cincinnatti. The White Sox added Schoenle as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and ultimately pitched as a part of ‘Project Birmingham’ last season.

RELIEVERS

Gil Luna, a ninth round draft pick in 2021, hasn’t had a true opportunity to get his career off the ground due to a plethora of injury complications. Righties Caleb Freeman and Luke Shilling are among the most compelling arms in the Barons’ pen.

Shilling was a 2018 draft pick who was in and out of the White Sox organization and dealt with several significant injuries. The 25-year-old returned to the mound last year after completing Tommy John surgery rehab and is beginning his first professional season without an offseason filled with setbacks.

Freeman impressed in Major League Spring Training with his strong curveball, heavy fastball and improved command. He will begin his fourth professional season since being drafted by the White Sox in 2019.

Other homegrown prospects include Edgar Navarro, Yoelvín Silven and Vince Vannelle. Navarro, who was signed out of Venezuela in 2018, offers a fastball that touches the upper-90’s with sink. He spent the bulk of his time in Birmingham last year totaling 43.1 innings in 35 Double-A appearances.

CATCHERS

Xavier Fernandez is entering his ninth professional season after being drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2013. He split time with Triple-A Charlotte and Double-A Birmingham last season.

Adam Hackenberg is a White Sox draft pick of 2021 and is thought of fondly by the organization. Hackenberg hit seven home runs in High-A before finishing the season in Birmingham.

INFIELDERS

Bryan Ramos is the No. 3 ranked prospect in the White Sox’s system while José Rodriguez is No. 6, according to our top 30 rankings. Ramos expects to play third base primarily with some second base sprinkled in, while Rodriguez holds down shortstop until Colson Montgomery finishes his expected brief stint in High-A.

Tyler Osik caught some last season, so it may still be in the cards for Osik to catch, but we envision the White Sox’s focus to be getting the most out of his bat. That means he will spend time as the DH or at first base. The right-handed hitter showcased some pop in last year’s .296/.381/.450 slash line.

Moisés Castillo began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League as a 16 year old with the St. Louis Cardinals. The utility infielder returns to Birmingham after spending 63 games there last season.

Chris Shaw returns to a Major League organization following two years in the independent Atlantic League.

OUTFIELDERS

Yoelquis Céspedes looks to improve upon his career 30 percent strikeout rate. Céspedes struck out 181 times in 148 Double-A games.

Luis Mieses navigated corner outfield spots throughout Spring Training, which puts to rest our worry that he may transitioning to first base only. Duke Ellis hit .318 with a homer in a small nine game sample size last year in Birmingham. Tyler Neslony looks to get back to Charlotte, where he spent 27 of his 91 games played last season.