FutureSox: 2023 midseason Chicago White Sox top 30 prospect list

1. Colson Montgomery, SS (No change)

• Drafted 1st Round (22nd overall) in 2021

Along with leading the pack as the consensus No. 1 prospect of the Chicago White Sox, Colson Montgomery is regarded by the industry as among the top prospects in all of baseball. ESPN writer Kiley McDaniel ranked Montgomery as the No. 2 prospect overall, while outlets such as Fangraphs, Baseball America, MLB Pipeline and The Athletic placed him no lower than No. 30.

Montgomery missed nearly all of the first half of the MiLB season in 2023 due to a back issue. After a brief rehab stint in the Arizona Complex League where he hit .353 with a 1.099 OPS in 34 at-bats, the 21-year-old bullied his way through Advanced-A competition. Montgomery slashed .345/.537/.552 with three home runs, three doubles and 20 walks compared to 15 strikeouts in 17 games at Winston-Salem. He was assigned to Double-A Birmingham on August 1 and is playing exclusively at shortstop. His advanced command of the strike zone remains on display at the highest level of competition he’s faced, as the left-handed hitter notched a .402 OBP and .435 slugging percentage across 119 plate appearances. The former multi-sport prep product is ticketed for the Arizona Fall League, which runs from October 2 to November 11 and he should make his big league debut early in 2024.

2. Noah Schultz, LHP (Previous: 4, +2)

• Drafted 1st Round (26th overall) in 2022

A forearm strain at the end of Spring Training changed the outlook for Noah Schultz’s 2023 campaign. While the initial plan was to deploy Schultz deliberately throughout the year, the White Sox were extra cautious and waited until June 2 to assign him to full season professional baseball at Low-A. Schultz proved to be healthy following his arrival in Kannapolis, as he made three consecutive starts in June. He followed that up with seven straight outings from July 2 to August 13 before being shut down due to a left shoulder impingement. In 10 Single-A starts Schultz finished with a 1.33 ERA and 0.852 WHIP over 27 innings while striking out 38 and walking six.

The freshly turned 20-year-old takes advantage of his 6-foot-9, 220 pound frame by shortening the distance to home plate and offers an arm slot that is deceptive to hitters. Schultz gradually would increase his workload per start with the intent to pitch in three-to-four innings an outing. He managed to pitch into the fourth inning in his final three starts of 2023.

Schultz added a sinker to his pitch mix that sits low-to-mid-90’s and combines it primarily with what was regarded as among the best sliders in the 2022 draft class. His changeup remains a work in progress. The lanky lefty showcases elite body control on the mound, fills up the strike zone and offers a top-of-the-rotation ceiling.

3. Edgar Quero, C (New)

• Acquired via Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2023

Acquired as the headliner of the Lucas Giolito deal, Edgar Quero appears set to be the catcher of the future for the Chicago White Sox. As an international signing out of Cuba just three years ago, he has shown much more than expected at this point. The 20-year-old was aggressively assigned to Double-A this spring by the Angels, skipping High-A after a breakout year in Single-A during the 2022 season.

Despite a slow start to the season, the switch-hitting catcher held his own as one of the youngest players at the Double-A level. With an advanced approach at the plate and excellent feel to hit, Quero has a high offensive floor with potential to become an impact bat if his power continues to adjust to the higher levels. A strong arm behind the plate has helped him remain at catcher while he continues to work to improve his game calling ability. 

Since moving to the White Sox organization a month ago and joining the Barons, Quero produced a .314/.400/.471 slash line with a 131 wRC+ and a walk rate of 13% in first 19 games. He has maintained a strikeout rate under 20% while continuing to walk at a high clip. Quero’s contact rate and plate discipline has made him a consensus top 100 prospect in baseball who could be catching in Chicago by 2025. 

4. ​Bryan Ramos, 3B/2B (No change)​

• Signed from Cuba in 2018

After being added to the 40-man roster last off-season, the 21-year-old’s season was delayed due to a groin injury suffered during spring training. Ramos returned to the field in late May with a quick four game rehab stint with Kannapolis before being sent to Birmingham. The Cuban product hit 11 home runs, posted an .836 OPS, 124 wRC+, 11.6 BB%, 23.9K%, with a .180 ISO in 63 AA games. In nearly three full months with the Barons, Ramos has improved offensively as the season marched along, outputting a .789 OPS in June, .802 OPS in July, and an .880 OPS in August, all while playing against competition that is, on average, more than two and a half years his superior.

While Ramos’ carrying tool(s) are his offensive abilities to make hard contact and drive baseballs, he’s made enough strides defensively to alleviate many of the concerns evaluators had as he first entered the organization. Ramos has continued to build up his defensive actions in the field, which pairs well with his above average arm strength at the hot corner. While he was given some run at second in previous years, Ramos has exclusively played at third base in 2023, the position he best fits moving forward. The Cuban infielder is expected to play in the Arizona Fall League as well.

5. Jacob Gonzalez, SS (New)

• Drafted No. 15 overall in 2023

Jacob Gonzalez was the first pick of the White Sox in 2023 following an accomplished collegiate career at Ole Miss. He earned national freshman of the year recognition in 2021 and was alongside Sox farmhands Calvin Harris and Tim Elko when Mississippi won the College World Series in 2022. Gonzalez was also team USA’s shortstop in both aforementioned seasons.

There is power in his 6-foot-2, 200 pound frame that evaluators believe can turn into 20-plus home runs. Including his time at Ole Miss, Gonzalez has played in over 80 games this season and is currently undergoing a mechanical tweak in his swing. The left-handed hitting shortstop showcases a good understanding of the strike zone and his swing path allows him to have success going to any part of the field.

The White Sox plan to develop the 21-year-old as a shortstop due to his instincts and ability to cover and close ground efficiently. Industry experts believe he can transition to second or third base and still offer plus value due to his ability to handle the bat.

6. Jake Eder, LHP (New)

• Acquired via Miami Marlins in 2023

Acquired from the Miami Marlins in a straight-up swap for Jake Burger, 24-year-old southpaw represented an important deadline-day addition for the White Sox farm system, which desperately needed to add another high-upside lefty alongside Noah Schultz.

A former fourth-round selection, Eder did not pitch until June while completing rehab from Tommy John surgery and a fractured left foot. Prior to the major injuries, the 6-foot-4 Vanderbilt product featured a mid-to-high 90s fastball and a plus-plus wipeout slider. Both pitches have taken slight velocity dips in his return to the mound. He also works in a low-80s changeup that can be considered average at the moment. While maintaining command (5.66 BB/9 this season) has always been a limitation, the White Sox are working on strengthening his lower half to help keep his mechanics in check. He holds bullpen risk, albeit with considerable promise should his slider return to its full glory and his control improve even marginally.

7. Cristian Mena, RHP (No change)

• Signed from Dominican Republic in 2019

One of the biggest breakout players within the system last season was right-hander Cristian Mena. At just 20-years-old, he has continued to develop in the right direction while spending the majority of the season with the Barons prior to being promoted recently to Triple-A Charlotte. 

Mena displays high-level strikeout stuff that produces consistent swing-and-miss. This season, his K/9 sits at 10.8 as he has 136 strikeouts across his 114 innings pitched with Birmingham in 2023. His fastball has improved with increased break, but velocity remains in the low-90’s. Mena leaned on his curveball frequently last season and still employs it, but he is throwing his slider more than he ever has. Command remains the biggest obstacle for Mena as he’s allowed too many home runs off centrally-located misses. He walked 55 (4.3 BB/9) in Double-A this year. Mena is Rule-5 eligible this December.

8. Nick Nastrini, RHP (New)

• Acquired via Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023

Another key piece acquired by the White Sox at the deadline this season is 23-year-old right-hander Nick Nastrini. With two years of impressive development within the Dodgers’ farm system, Nastrini came to the White Sox as a polished pitching prospect with a high floor and expectations of being a Major League arm in the near future. With one of the best fastballs in Double-A that sits between 94-97 mph with plenty of run, Nastrini has generated ace-type strikeout numbers through his first two professional seasons with a K/9 of 13 last year. 

Paired with his 65 or potentially even 70-grade fastball is a mixture of his slider, curveball, and changeup. His slider has great spin rates and he’s improved the depth of the pitch this season while his changeup can add a layer to his repertoire when it’s commanded well. Command continues to be his biggest obstacle. After a rough first start with the Barons, he allowed just one run in each of his last two starts with Birmingham while striking out 17 across 11 innings. Nastrini is set to finish the season in Charlotte alongside Mena and at 23-years-old seems likely to be in the White Sox rotation at some point next year. 

9. Jose Rodriguez, SS (Previous: 6, -3)

• Signed from the Dominican Republic in 2018 

After a broken hamate ended José Rodríguez’s 2022 season early, his 2023 season started off slowly. In April and May, Rodríguez slashed .224/.255/.395 with a .649 OPS, seven home runs, 64 wRC+, a 4.3 BB%, 27.3 K%, a .171 ISO with six stolen bases in eleven attempts (55% success rate). Once the weather started to heat up, so did Rodríguez. From June through August 30, the 22 year old has slashed .291/.325/.487 for an .812 OPS, 11 home runs, 111 wRC+, 4.5 BB%, 21.0 K%, .196 ISO, and stole 22 of 23 bases (nearly 96% success rate).

Rodríguez still utilizes an aggressive approach at the plate, as his strikeout rate has nearly increased by 10% from 2022 (13.6 K%) to 2023 (23.5 K%) while repeating the level. “Popeye” still does make a fair amount of hard contact, as he’s already set a career high in home runs with 18. Rodríguez was added to the 40-man roster last off-season and even had a brief cup of coffee with the White Sox, scoring a run as a pinch runner and playing one inning in the field. Although he played some shortstop in 2023, the 22 year old has spent the majority of the season playing second base, a position that he best profiles moving forward. 

10. Peyton Pallette, RHP (Previous 8, -2)

• Drafted 2nd Round in 2022 (62nd overall)

One of the top arms from his draft class, 22-year-old right-hander Peyton Pallette continues to offer plenty to dream on with a low-effort, repeatable delivery and a hammer curveball that generates 3000+ RPM. Tommy John surgery wiped out the entire 2022 calendar year for the Arkansas product, which allowed him to slip to the White Sox in the second round that year, but he made his professional debut this past April for Low-A Kannapolis.

The 2023 surface-level statistics don’t jump off the page, but Pallette has seen moderate success in his return to game action, particularly over the past two months. His command has dipped a bit post-surgery, but the poise and polish is still evident. Pallette made 21 starts and notched nearly 70 innings pitch in his first full season following major surgery. Of note, Pallette reportedly helped White Sox No. 2 prospect Noah Schultz learn a new changeup grip this summer and worked with Garrett Crochet as a throwing partner throughout his rehab.

11. Jonathan Cannon, RHP (No change)

• Drafted 3rd Round in 2022 (101st overall)

Drafted in the 3rd round last summer, Cannon has excelled early and displayed the high floor that prompted the White Sox to over-slot him in the 3rd round for a deal reaching nearly $1 million. Cannon began the year in High-A and was excellent there to start his first full season professional season. He tallied a 3.59 ERA across 14 starts prior to being promoted to Double-A Birmingham. Known for his command, Cannon has maintained a walk rate around 8% this season and has the ability for even more consistency with his pitch location. 

With four average or better offerings, Cannon has the profile of consistent back half of the rotation starter with a safe floor. His upper 80s cutter is his best offering while his fastball and slider have improved this season. With a sinker-type fastball and horizontal break focused slider, Cannon does a good job mixing his pitch shape to remain steady. He’s likely to remain in Double-A to start 2024 but could become a late-season option in Chicago. 

12. Grant Taylor, RHP (New)

• Drafted 2nd Round in 2023 (51st overall)

After debuting as a reliever with loud stuff but inconsistent command for LSU in 2022, Grant Taylor went to the Cape and impressed as a starter, displaying better command of his pitches and was one of the better pitchers in the league. Taylor continued to build upon that helium with a strong performance in fall practice, but suffered an elbow injury before the 2023 college season began and underwent Tommy John surgery. The injury did not scare off the White Sox as they drafted Taylor, signing him to a $1,659,800 bonus. If this all sounds familiar, it’s because the White Sox did exactly this in the second round of the 2022 draft as well, selecting injured righty Peyton Pallette. 

Prior to surgery, Taylor possessed a plus fastball that sat 93-95 mph, peaking at 99 mph with ride. Taylor also utilized a low 90s cutter that had been viewed as a plus offering when he was at his best. The 21 year old also throws two breaking balls, with the primary option being an upper 70s to low 80s high spin curveball that has 12-to-6 action, and a mid-80s slider with tight movement. Both breaking pitches are thought of as at least average to above offerings. There is reliever risk in his profile, as he’s only thrown 52 total innings in 2022 between LSU and the Cape. Taylor does have the frame (6’3”, 230) that provides hope that he can add the durability necessary for starting, as his professional debut should occur during the 2024 season. 

13. Ky Bush, LHP (New)

• Acquired via Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2023

The second piece acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in the Lucas Giolito & Reynaldo Lopez trade, Ky Bush filled an immediate void in the system as an upper-level southpaw. The White Sox have received a grand total of 11 starts totaling 42.1 innings from southpaws over the past two seasons.

The 6-foot-6 former second-round pick’s arsenal consists of a low-90s fastball that has diminished in velocity since his draft year, a plus slider, and a pair of 50-grade off-speed options (curveball, changeup). Command was not previously regarded as a concern, but has been troublesome this year (4.4 BB/9) compared to his 2022 campaign (2.53 BB/9). Oblique and groin issues caused him to miss the first two months of the season.

While his once-lofty peak as a potential No. 2 starter has gone by the wayside, Bush still offers the White Sox a likely back-of-the-rotation arm or swingman who is on the cusp of reaching the bigs. He could alternatively transition into a slider-heavy reliever if the White Sox opt to change his course.

14. Terrell Tatum, OF (Previous: 30, +16)

• Drafted in the 16th Round in 2021

One of the quickest risers in the system is outfielder Terrell Tatum. With endless athleticism and impressive defense, Tatum’s future will depend on his ability to hit at a higher enough rate. The 16th round pick in 2021 showed promise in limited action last season with High-A Winston Salem and took his game to another level there to began this campaign. His approach led to nearly as many walks as strikeouts through his 60 games prior to his promotion to Birmingham.  He has 45 steals between the two levels and is a perfect 13 for 13 since joining Double-A. 

Tatum does not have much power at just 5’9” but his balance of line drive contact, speed, defense, and approach has made him an exciting player. He has taken a noticeable step back since reaching a higher level as he had a .855 OPS in High-A and is at .718 so far in Double-A. His athletic profile likely makes him a 4th outfielder type of player at the higher levels. 

15. Seth Keener, RHP (New)

• Drafted 3rd Round (84th overall) in 2023

One of the four recent draft picks on this list is 3rd round pick Seth Keener. Pitching primarily out of the bullpen last season at Wake Forest, Keener is set to transition into a full-time starter role within the White Sox organization. Known for his elite slider, Keener is working to develop command and movement on his fastball and changeup in order to be a true starting option. 

Keener’s mid-80s slider could make him a great reliever if the transition doesn’t go smoothly as he develops, but his fastball that sits 92-94 mph on average has movement that can be effective. The 21-year-old’s changeup is a work in progress, but he has a good chance to become a starter if he can improve his control and ability to more innings comfortably. 

16. Jacob Burke, OF (New)

• Drafted 11th Round in 2022

A tremendous athlete with definable leadership qualities, Jacob Burke built upon a strong introduction to the system in 2022 with an impressive showcase at Low-A Kannapolis to begin the 2023 season. The 22-year-old outfielder posted an eye-popping 163 wRC+ with the Cannon Ballers across 35 games and filled the box score in a variety of ways — .315/.416/.512 slash line, 16 XBH, 10.1% BB rate, 9 SB. He made headlines with a remarkable 52-game on-base streak from May 11 to July 21.

Burke, an 11th-round pick out of Miami (FL), earned a promotion to Hi-A Winston-Salem in late-June and is well on his way to a future big-league role as a fourth outfielder who provides plenty of defensive range in center and solid speed on the base paths. Whether he can be more than that remains to be seen, but every organization needs a player in Burke’s mold to (A) round out a competitive roster and (B) reinforce a strong team culture.

17. Matthew Thompson, RHP (Previous: 12, -5)

• Drafted 2nd Round (45th overall) in 2019

When Matthew Thompson is clicking, he displays an above average fastball that tops out at 97, a high 70s-low 80s 11-5 curve, a low 80s slurvy slider, and a mid-80s changeup that flashes average. What’s plagued Thompson in 2023 has been his control backing up on him. After improving his walk rate/walks per nine in 2022 (8.5 BB%, 3.28 BB/9) between Winston-Salem and Birmingham, both metrics have shot up for Thompson in 2023 (14.7 B%, 6.07 BB/9), both career highs. The 23-year-old is striking out batters at a 22.5% clip while having a K/9 of 9.27, and while Thompson is still young for AA (playing against competition nearly two and a half years his senior), he is Rule 5 eligible this off-season.   

18. Sean Burke, RHP (Previous: 9, -9)

• Drafted 3rd Round (94th overall) in 2021

Sean Burke’s highly anticipated season got off on the wrong foot during spring training, as he was placed on the Charlotte Knights’ injured list with shoulder soreness prior to Opening Day. Following a tough outing in his 2023 debut, the White Sox sent Burke to the development list until April 30, where he would proceed to make eight consecutive starts before ultimately being shut down for the season. The right-hander walked 27 batters across 36.2 total innings, although progressively pitched deeper into ballgames as the weeks continued.

Prior to the start of the 2023 season, White Sox general manager Chris Getz referred to Burke as a Major League depth option due to an advanced four-pitch mix and a successful 2022 campaign that saw him strikeout 137 batters over 108 combined innings at Advanced-A, Double-A and Triple-A. This year was a step back for the 23-year-old, but the ceiling remains as a mid-rotation starter. Listed 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, Burke’s goal in 2024, outside of staying on the field, is to hone in on his command.

19. George Wolkow, OF/1B (New)

• Drafted in the 7th Round in 2023

One of the most exciting picks of the 2023 Draft didn’t come until the 7th round when the White Sox selected 17-year-old outfielder George Wolkow. The Downers Grove native was set to be a potential 1st round pick in 2024 but reclassified by finishing high school in just three years in order to enter the 2023 draft. The White Sox were able to land Wolkow by giving him a signing bonus equivalent to an early 3rd round pick. 

Wolkow has an imposing figure at 6’7” with some of the highest power upside of anyone taken in the draft this year. While there is obvious risk with his profile and he has swing-and-miss concerns at this point, Wolkow is incredibly strong and athletic with plenty of upside. He appears to be a capable and potentially above-average corner outfielder with a plus arm and the chance to become a great hitter as he ages. He’ll spend years in lower levels of the system, but his ceiling is higher than many of his peers. 

20. Wilfred Veras, 1B/3B/OF (No change)

• Signed from Dominican Republic in 2019

After a great showing in “Project Birmingham” late last season at just 19 years old, Veras had spent the majority of his season with Winson-Salem before earning a promotion a month ago. Veras needs to find a defensive home still, but has been one of the best hitters in the farm system for the majority of the season. He started the year hot in High-A but went through a brutal slump in June. He still produced above-average numbers through 92 games there, but has taken a huge step forward while facing tough competition. 

Veras has a .366/.404/.585 slash line through his first 20 Double-A games this year and has continued to display high-end exit velocities at the next level. He still has a tendency to chase and whiff too often, but has countered that with his production. With 37 doubles this year, Veras has gap-to-gap power with a swing not crafted for home runs but his natural strength has led to 13 on the year. His offensive upside is abundant, but his defense in the outfield or potentially as a corner infielder will need to continue improving. At just 20-years-old, he’s an exciting hitter to follow and will likely start in Birmingham next year. 

21. Korey Lee, C (New)

• Acquired via Houston Astros in 2023

Formerly of the California Golden Bears, Korey Lee is once again teammates with Andrew Vaughn. Lee was acquired for a straight swap of righty reliever Kendall Graveman from the Houston Astros at the 2023 trade deadline. The 25-year-old is lauded for his raw power and arm strength. However, Lee didn’t turn into a full time catcher until his draft year of 2019. He has yet to eclipse 73 games played in a season at the position, but following his Major League call up on August 24, Lee is on track for a new career high. In an effort to make more contact while maintaining an advanced power profile, Lee is also on pace for a new career high for hits in a season. 2023 is his second experience in the big leagues and figures to serve as a backup catcher moving forward.

22. Tanner McDougal, RHP (Previous: 19, -3)

• Drafted 5th Round in 2021

The White Sox convinced Tanner McDougal to sign a professional contract out of high school in 2021 after selecting him in the fifth round. Shortly thereafter, McDougal underwent Tommy John surgery that kept him out until April of 2023. The White Sox had a goal in mind to build his workload in full season professional ball delicately as he returned from major injury. McDougal passed the test with flying colors by making 20 starts and amassing just over 65 innings pitched. The 6-foot-5, 185 pound right-handed starter will turn 21 by Opening Day 2024. His fastball ranged from 90-to-97 miles per hour this season and show cases two breaking pitches that eclipse 3,000 RPM. He should start the 2024 season in Winston-Salem with the Dash.

23. Jordan Leasure, RHP (New)

• Acquired via Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023

Jordan Leasure is a prototypical, two-pitch power reliever who has been exactly as advertised since the White Sox acquired him from the Los Angeles Dodgers as a secondary piece in the Lance Lynn & Joe Kelly trade. The 25-year-old right-hander consistently clocks in the upper-90s with good carry on his heater, occasionally reaching triple-digits, and accompanies it with a promising slider in the upper-80s and a rudimentary curveball that is a work in progress.

The Dodgers placed Leasure in Double-A to begin the season, which yielded the expected results — an absurd 40% strikeout rate and a concerning 1.54 HR/9 rate. His strikeout figures have remained consistent (in a limited sample size) upon a bump to Triple-A by the White Sox. He has struggled against left-handed hitters as well and will need something to combat them in the majors.

Leasure has a fairly violent delivery, but gets great extension, and is yet another reliever who falls in the category of massive fastball  plus erratic control. He should receive plenty of opportunity to contribute to the big-league bullpen during the 2024 season, after which he will become Rule 5 eligible.

24. Ryan Burrowes, SS (Previous: 17, -7)

• Signed from Panama in 2022

Shortstop Ryan Burrowes signed for $75,000 out of Panama during the 2022 international free agent period. The 6-2, 170 pounder earned praise from scouts during his first summer in the Dominican League for his mature approach and ability to stay at shortstop. During his professional debut, the infielder hit .266/.393/.392 with three homers and a 120 wRC+ in the Dominican Summer League. MLB Pipeline reported that other clubs were interested in acquiring Burrowes during trade talks.

The 19-year-old made his stateside debut this season and struggled some for the Arizona Complex League affiliate for the White Sox. He hit just .259/.330/.386 with an increased strikeout rate and decreased walk rate. Burrowes has shown an advanced ability to hit and he consistently barrels baseballs. His frame is projectable and he’s able to manage the zone and recognize pitches out of the hand. He should stay at shortstop in the long-term and he possesses 20 homer potential from the right side. Burrowes is a good runner who has shown some success swiping bases during his career. He likely begins the 2024 season in Kannapolis with the Cannon Ballers in Low-A.

25. Tyler Schweitzer, LHP (Previous 23, -2)

• Drafted 5th round in 2022

Left-hander Tyler Schweitzer logged more than 100 innings in his first professional season, which is impressive as he entered the year still in a transitional period from his time as a reliever at Ball State (converted to a starter during his junior season).

The 22-year-old southpaw shined at Low-A Kannapolis to begin the campaign, where he maintained a solid 10.11 K/9 rate, 2.79 BB/9 rate, and worked through five innings in 12 of 13 starts. The White Sox promoted him to High-A Winston-Salem in mid-July. While none of Schweitzer’s individual offerings will carry him to the big leagues, his overall pitchability and continued direction toward a starter’s workload should enable him to reach his floor as a back-of-the-rotation arm.

26. Juan Carela, RHP (New)

• Acquired via New York Yankees in 2023

21-year-old pitcher Juan Carela was acquired by the White Sox at the 2023 trade deadline for relief pitcher Keynan Middleton. The 6’3” 185 lb righty throws a mid-90s fastball, a sinker that can also touch the mid-90s, two different variations of a slider in the low to mid-80s, and a changeup that’s flashed average. Carela has operated as a starter in both organizations, making 17 appearances (16 starts) for High-A Hudson Valley in 2023 with a 31.1 K%, 9.1 BB%, 1.16 WHIP, and a 3.67 ERA. Since being acquired, Carela has made four starts in Winston-Salem and while his strike out numbers have dipped (11.77 K/9 to 6.43 K/9) he’s improved upon issuing free passes (3.46 BB/9 to 3.00 BB/9). Carela is Rule 5 eligible this off-season.

27. Jared Kelley, RHP (Previous: 14, -13)

• Drafted 2nd Round (57th overall) in 2021

When drafted in the 2nd round of the 2020 draft, expectations were incredibly for former high school national player of the year Jared Kelley. With two advanced fastballs that can reach up to 97 mph, Kelley was beyond his years when drafted out of high school. Things haven’t gone very smoothly through his first few professional seasons with command and technical issues, but Kelley has plenty of arm talent and is still only 21-years-old. 

Kelley began the season as a starter still with Winston-Salem but transitioned into a relief role after a month of continuing to struggle as a starter. During the month of June, Kelley posted a 2.29 ERA with a 23:9 K:BB ratio in five games pitching as a long reliever. This impressive stint out of the bullpen landed him in Double-A Birmingham where he has struggled mightily. It seems like a relief role is best for Kelley at this point and his strong fastball and formidable changeup could make him a good bullpen piece despite the shaky results to this point of his career. 

28. Brooks Baldwin UTL (New)

• Drafted in the 12th Round in 2022

23-year-old Brooks Baldwin is a newcomer to this list, and he’s had a rather successful first full season. Drafted out of UNC Wilmington as a third baseman, Baldwin began the year with Kannapolis where he typically manned the hot corner, but did see some action around the infield as well as making some appearances in the outfield. Baldwin put up respectable numbers across 67 games for Kannapolis, with a .783 OPS, 10 home runs, and 26 extra base hits (13 doubles, three triples) with a 12.0 BB% and a 21.6 K% while posting a 120 wRC+.

Baldwin was promoted to High-A Winston-Salem on August 8 and was given the task to become the squad’s starting shortstop. In 19 games (as of this writing) with High-A Winston-Salem, the switch-hitter has excelled with the bat, producing a .324/.370/.500 slash line, an .870 OPS, four home runs, a 7.7 BB% with a 19.2 K% while posting a 131 wRC+. While not necessarily a burner on the base paths, Baldwin has also stolen 21 of 26 bases between both levels (nearly 81% success rate), while being a perfect 7-for-7 thus far in Winston-Salem.

29. Adam Hackenberg C (New)

• Drafted in the 18th Round in 2021

Prior to the organization’s acquisition of Edgar Quero and Korey Lee, the White Sox system severely lacked catching depth, but Adam Hackenberg offered potential as a defensive-minded backup. That profile for the 23-year-old still exists, but is now clouded by the presence of others.

Hackenberg’s calling card has always been his mobility behind the plate and his plus arm strength. However, after erasing 36 percent of baserunners in 2021 and 32 percent in 2022, his caught stealing numbers took a major dip as he advanced to the upper levels of the minors (22 percent this season). The Clemson product (and brother of former New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg) enjoyed the best offensive stretch of his career while at Double-A Birmingham for most of the 2023 campaign, which included a .308 clip at the plate in the month of June and an .899 OPS in July.

Hackenberg still hits far too many ground balls to contribute at the big-league level right now, but he’s a natural athlete who has the ability to generate lift with his swing. He’ll finish the year at Triple-A Charlotte, but continued refinement to his game across the board (or an injury-dictated call-up) could allow him to reach Chicago sometime during the 2024 season.

30. Mason Adams, RHP (New)

• Drafted in the 13th Round in 2022

The White Sox selected Mason Adams in the 13th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Jacksonville State. It’s been a popular destination in area scout Warren Hughes’ geographic region but the 23-year-old right hander has distanced himself from other recent picks from the school. The 6-0, 200 pounder was on the Baseball America top 500 during the pre-draft process but there were some questions related to his ability to start long-term. Adams served in a piggy back role with Noah Schultz for part of the season in Low-A but he ultimately made some starts as well.

In 77.2 innings pitched with the Cannon Ballers, the righty posted a 3.36 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 18 walks overall. His fastball has touched the mid 90’s but he mostly throws a low 90’s sinker to go along with a slider, curveball and changeup as part of his four pitch mix. The former day three pick posted a 2.50 ERA in three starts with the Winston-Salem Dash in High-A as well while accumulating 18 strikeouts and three walks in 18 innings. Adams was recently promoted to Double-A and he’s made one start with the Birmingham Barons. He likely repeats that level next year with an outside shot at making his big league debut in 2024 if things continue on the upward trajectory.