The Chicago White Sox has been a middle-of-the-road team for the past few seasons outside of 2021. In 2023, the White Sox had two players in the top 100 prospects, adding another at the trade deadline. So, who are their top players down on the farm?
SS Colson Montgomery
Montgomery, a 2021 first-round pick by the White Sox, turned pro instead of going to Indiana. He was praised as an intelligent, patient hitter who does not chase pitches. Leading to a healthy number of walks drawn. Throughout his two seasons in the minors, Montgomery mounted 102 walks compared to 128 strikeouts. Montgomery is one of the three players that Chicago had ranked in the top 100 in the MLB at number 20. He should be ready to go to the windy city in the next year or two as long as his development continues the way it has.
C Edgar Quero
Initially a 2021 international signing by the Los Angeles Angels, Quero was acquired by the White Sox at the 2023 trade deadline in a trade for pitcher Lucas Giolito. The switching-hitting Cuban-born Quero is seen as better from the left side of the plate and, like Montgomery, is patient and has good plate discipline. So far in the 2023 season, he has drawn more walks than he has struck out (56 walks, 55 strikeouts). If his hitting can return to the form where he batted .312 in Double-A this season, he should be making the next jump to Triple-A soon.
SS Jacob Gonzalez
A first-round pick in this year’s draft, the left-hitting Gonzalez is a hitter that can spray the ball to all spots on the field. He also has reasonable control of the strike zone, just like the players mentioned before him, and with development, he can potentially be a 25-home run-a-season hitter. The only downfall or shortcoming in his game is the need for more speed he has shown, which may lead to him being shifted from the shortstop position over to second base.
LHP Jake Eder
Another prospect acquired via trade at the 2023 deadline from Miami (2020 fourth-round pick), Eder missed the start of the 2o23 season due to having Tommy John surgery on his elbow and began pitching in Double-A in June. He does have a plus fastball and slider that come in at 93-96 miles per hour and the low 80s, respectively. Before getting injured, Eder had worked on the command and control of his pitches, which hindered him during his time in pro ball. The most significant factor in his development is his return from the elbow injury and his strength. If all things check out for Eder, he has the potential to be a top-three starter in the White Sox rotation.
RHP Nick Nastrini
The third prospect Chicago acquired at the 2023 trade deadline was right-hander Nick Nastrini from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nastrini was originally a fourth-round pick of the Dodgers in 2021. He possesses a strong arsenal of pitches. Holding a fastball that sits between 94-96 miles per hour, a mid 80’s slider and changeup. As well as a 78-82 miles per hour curveball. The biggest knock against him is that he struggles with command problems. However, the upside potential is there if this issue can be rectified, and he can develop more on his pitches. Nastrini projects to switch to the bullpen at some point in his career.
Overall, the Chicago’s farm system is not one of the most resounding or most exciting. Many of their prospects have been acquired not through the draft but through trades. Which is due to the fact they have not been able to contend for the playoffs.
Main Photo Credits: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero, Lucas Giolito, Jacob Gonzalez, Jake Eder, Nick Nastrini
