Now that the team previews are out of the way, let’s take a quick look at how many top 25 prospects, according to our most recent list, are at each club.
White Sox: 3
Charlotte: 5
Birmingham: 6
Winston-Salem: 5
Kannapolis: 3
Three of the top 10 prospects (Addison Reed, Hector Santiago and Eduardo Escobar) are with the big league club. Another 11 are in AA or higher, which is probably a good sign for reinforcements over the next couple seasons.
Three more prospects are not on a roster. No. 15 Erik Johnson is in extended spring training with an oblique injury and if he’s healthy in time likely joins up with Kannapolis. No. 20 Brandon Short is likely out for the year after suffering a torn labrum in spring training. Short is listed on Charlotte’s disabled list so it’s possible he would have reported there. No. 21 Jeff Soptic, a raw third round pick last June, is also in extended spring training.
On a semi-related note nine players on the 25-man roster for the White Sox are homegrown.
Six were drafted by the Sox: Reed, Santiago, Nate Jones, Chris Sale, Gordon Beckham and Brent Morel
Two were foreign signings: Escobar and Dayan Viciedo
One was was acquired via trade: Tyler Flowers (spent three years in the White Sox minors)
Nine is notably more than in recent years. Last year the Sox had four of five depending on whether you count Sergio Santos, who joined the organization at 25 years old but didn’t pitch until he came to the Sox. Having more homegrown players certainly fits in with a rebuilding team.