White Sox top prospect having a great start in Dominican Winter League play. How impactful can the young slugger be when he’s called up to majors?
Chicago White Sox top prospect Eloy Jimenez has many fans excited about the immediate future of this team. The 20-year-old has been stellar since being acquired from the Chicago Cubs in early July via trade for Jose Quintana.
Jimenez is off to a good start currently in the Dominican Winter League. After having success in Single-A Advanced and Double-A this past season, Jimenez could be on the fast track to a promotion to the majors next year. As shown recently by other young players, a rookie could have an immediate impact on a team after being promoted.
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The Sox certainly don’t have to rush Jimenez in 2018, but if he shows he’s ready, the young outfielder could quickly make a name for himself in the majors. As recent history has shown, some players have succeeded very quickly after reaching the big leagues.
Some players didn’t have a prolonged impact the same season in which they were promoted, but they’ve enjoyed great success in their first full year in the majors. Kris Bryant of the Cubs had a remarkable rookie season in 2015 and helped the North Siders reach the postseason for the first time since 2008.
In his rookie season, Bryant hit .275/.369/.488 with 26 home runs and 99 RBIs for the Cubs. He appeared in 151 games for the Cubs in 2015 and didn’t make his major league debut until April 11 of that year. A year later, Bryant would win the National League MVP award and help the Cubs win the World Series.
Another young player who recently had a positive impact on his team after being promoted was Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seager hit .337/.425/.561 in 27 games for the Dodgers in 2015. He would have a much bigger impact for the Dodgers in 2016. Seager hit .308/.365/.512 with 26 home runs and 72 RBIs in his first full season for Los Angeles. He would be named the NL Rookie of the Year and was third in MVP voting in 2016.
Much like Bryant and Seager, Jimenez could have an immediate positive impact once he reaches the majors. There’s no guarantee that Jimenez will be promoted to the Sox early next season, but he will have a lot of time to continue his development in the minors. Jimenez could perhaps struggle upon reaching the majors whenever he’s promoted. However, the Sox aren’t expected to contend for a few more years.
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If the Sox are able to get an immediate positive impact from Jimenez when he’s promoted, that would help this franchise greatly. The Sox future is bright and fans are eagerly anticipating the next wave of prospects to join the team. Jimenez could be the next young player that is promoted from the minors next year. Expect Jimenez’s impact to be positive once he joins the Sox, something this organization sorely needs in the future.