Prospect Watch: Chicago White Sox

Mar 13, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians base runner Cedric Hunter (62) is out at second by Chicago White Sox infielder Carlos Sanchez (77) after attempting to steal the base in the eighth inning during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

2B Carlos Sanchez

Age: 22

There are a lot of things to like about Carlos Sanchez. He’s a young, switch-hitting prospect that plays good defense, runs well, and swings the bat. He may prove to be an upgrade over Gordon Beckham much quicker than some people think, should the White Sox veteran be traded. As good as he is now, being only 22, it will be exciting to see how high his ceiling is.

Sanchez has maintained a .986 fielding percentage as a second baseman, according to Baseball-Reference.com. That appears to be the norm for Sanchez, as he posted an identical fielding percentage at the position last year for the Knights, his first full season with the team. By comparison, Gordon Beckham owns a .983 fielding percentage over the last five seasons as a Southsider.

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After hitting .315 in Winston-Salem and .370 with Birmingham in 2012, Carlos had a down year at the plate in 2013, posting a .242 average with the Knights. However, his average is back up to .292 this year to go along with a .354 OBP.  Not only that, but Sanchez seems to have added a little power to his resume. So far this season, he’s hit 5 HRs and knocked in 42 runs, which is 5 more HRs than he hit all of 2012 and 2013.

Sanchez may not be known as the fastest man in the farm system, but he seems to know how to pick his spots to earn an extra base. He’s stolen 12 bases already in the first half of this season, being caught only 3 times. Just as impressive, his success rate has continually improved, leading me to believe that he is learning the nuances of base stealing in order to be more effective.

Overall, this is one exciting kid with above average potential. In my opinion, his numbers point to him being both physically and mentally gifted as an athlete. That seems to bode well for him as a major-leaguer.