Prospect Watch: Chicago White Sox

Mar 10, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Trayce Thompson (75) swings against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

With the first half of the Chicago White Sox season drawing to a close, and the trade deadline around the corner, it’s an appropriate time to take a look at which prospect within the organization may be able to contribute to the team at the big league level sooner rather than later. Rampant trade speculation persists regarding everyday contributors like Adam Dunn, Gordon Beckham, Dayan Viciedo, and Alexei Ramirez. If rumors become reality, the White Sox will be looking for successful prospects to step into those roles.

As of last month, Bleacher Report had the organization’s farm system ranked 23rd out of 32 teams. However, the team boasts plenty of young prospects developing their skills in Double-A Birmingham or High-A Winston-Salem. Tim Anderson, Trayce Thompson, Courtney Hawkins, Tyler Danish, Keon Barnum, and Jacob May could all be players that see the big leagues within the next few years. What the coaching staffs and front office will need to determine is which prospects are ready to contribute at the major league level within the next few months, not years. Here are five prospects that could make the jump.