Ahead of the second half of the season kicking off this weekend, the White Sox are promoting infielder Brooks Baldwin to make his MLB debut this weekend in Kansas City. The switch-hitting utility player has an impressive .324/.391/.460 slash line between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte in 82 games.
Sources: White Sox to promote infielder Brooks Baldwin from Triple-A Charlotte https://t.co/VyPZ8ahXh9
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) July 18, 2024
Drafted in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of UNC-Wilmington, Baldwin is not a player most expected to reach the big leagues in just two years. Well, maybe Pete Flaherty did.
And exactly 2 years later, Brooks Baldwin is a Big Leaguer. https://t.co/RWhwaFf9j0
— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) July 18, 2024
His path has been remarkable to say the least as he began to put himself seriously on the radar for us at FutureSox last year.
Baldwin played just 26 High-A games with Winston-Salem down the stretch in 2023 in his first professional season after spending most of the year in Single-A Kannapolis. He played all over the diamond last year while producing strong offensive numbers particularly once reaching High-A which promoted an aggressive promotion to begin the season in Birmingham.
He opened the season as the everyday shortstop with the Barons, proving his ability to handle the premium infield position. Once Jacob Gonzalez joined the Barons, Baldwin played a combination of second base, shortstop, third base, and even a few games in left field. This continued in his very brief stop in Charlotte as Baldwin played all three infield positions in his eight games with the Knights.
Brooks Baldwin is being promoted to the #WhiteSox per multiple reports!
— Elijah Evans (@ElijahEv8) July 18, 2024
WOW!!! In the midst of a breakout season, Baldwin goes from only a taste of High-A last year to a big league call up post All-Star break. Unbelievable hit tool and defensive versatility to play everywhere!
This season has proven that Baldwin can handle shortstop and really any other position, but he may never stick at one spot. His defensive versatility is an extremely valuable asset and will allow him to help the White Sox in many ways moving forward, but his offensive output shouldn’t be overlooked.
Brooks Baldwin hits his 5th HR in the first. #Barons tied at 1. #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/rfRDuk56Vk
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) June 27, 2024
This season has displayed Baldwin’s exceptional hit tool as he has been easily the best contact hitter in the farm system. He started the season on a ridiculous pace as he hit over .400 in April to begin his Double-A career. His average whittled down through a few months but was still at a great mark at .333 in May. Despite the decrease, his approach actually improved as he walked more than he struck out (16BB/14K) during the month.
Brooks Baldwin goes yard and continues to heat up once again after a slightly cold stretch in early May!
— Elijah Evans (@ElijahEv8) May 23, 2024
Through his first 2 months in AA, Baldwin is now hitting .361 with 10 stolen bases while now getting reps at 2B and 3B after playing SS prior to the Gonzalez promotion.… https://t.co/ingXZIDvKI
His worst month this season came in June, but Baldwin was still one of the better hitters in a talented Birmingham lineup. The White Sox promoted him a couple weeks ago to AAA Charlotte where he continued to do just what he had done all season long.
1 AAA pitch for Brooks Baldwin -> 1 AAA HR for Brooks Baldwin. #Knights up 1-0. #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/4SgrOzPm2z
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) July 4, 2024
Brooks recorded 10 hits in just eight games with a pair of home runs. Baldwin proved that he was ready for his next challenge. He will now get a shot to prove himself in Chicago and further establish that he’s a part of the future offense for the White Sox. His contact skills and versatility will be warmly welcomed in a lineup that has lacked much of anything most of the season.
Look what Brooks Baldwin does with the 1st pitch he sees tonight. What a run he’s on!
— jeff cohen (@TripleAJeff) July 5, 2024
@FutureSox pic.twitter.com/886ZvAIuUd
White Sox Draft Room Produces
Baldwin’s story is not only incredible for him, but is also a true success story to this point from an organizational standpoint. In the Mike Shirley era, the White Sox draft strategy has shifted drastically and late round picks are looking more successful each year.
The 2022 class is the first prime example as Baldwin now becomes the second player from that draft to debut after Jonathan Cannon made his way to Chicago earlier this season. Plenty of other impressive players particularly in the late rounds including Mason Adams and Tim Elko are on the way soon as well.
Brooks was never truly viewed as a legit prospect until this season which goes to show how much players can grow and blossom when given opportunities. He has showed in many ways why he deserves to be a core piece of the future.
When he debuts this weekend in Kansas City, it’s worth tuning in for White Sox fans looking to find excitement in the midst of a frustrating season. He brings energy and excitement to the field every time you watch him play and will be a fun piece of the lineup in Chicago.
How’s Pedro going to ruin him? Not plan for a week and give him one at that and say you suck so want to send them to the minors? They really need to get rid of Pedro and Tony before the next wave of prospects comes up. They earned it by their play in the minors.
Play him not plan him.