White Sox general manager mentions young slugging prospect possibly could spend entire 2018 in the minors, praises his hitting abilities in Birmingham.
Chicago White Sox fans are eagerly anticipating the next wave of prospects to join the team in the near future. One of those prospects, Eloy Jimenez, has become a favorite amongst Sox fans this past year.
After being acquired as part of a trade package from the Cubs for Jose Quintana, Jimenez had brilliant half-season in the Sox farm system. Through 29 games with Single-A Advanced Winston-Salem, Jimenez hit .345/.410/.682 with a 1.092 OPS to go along with eight home runs and 26 RBIs. He would hit .353/.397/.559 with three home runs and seven RBIs in 18 games with Double-A Birmingham.
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With Jimenez having a good end to his 2017 season, many Sox fans are wondering when he will be promoted to the majors in 2018. However, those fans might not see Jimenez in the majors at all next year. Sox general manager Rick Hahn mentioned on Saturday on 670 AM The Score that it’s possible Jimenez spends all of 2018 in the minors.
Although many Sox fans would like to see Jimenez reach the majors next year, Hahn has continued to state the team’s rebuilding efforts would require patience. The best thing for the Sox to do is to allow Jimenez enough time to develop in the minors.
"It's possible" Eloy Jimenez spends all of 2018 in the minors, Rick Hahn says. "But the good ones have a way of changing plans on you."
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) November 4, 2017
Rick Hahn on Eloy Jimenez at Double-A: "Eloy had a way of making a big Birmingham park look small."
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) November 4, 2017
Jimenez will turn 21 on Nov. 29, but he can still use more time in the minors before making the leap to the majors. Similar to how the Sox were patient with Yoan Moncada, Jimenez could spend a bulk of 2018 in the minors. This wouldn’t be a bad thing as the Sox are in no need to rush the young outfielder.
Next: Rick Hahn Knows White Sox Rebuild Requires Patience
The Sox goal for their rebuild is to compete for multiple world championships. If the Sox rush any of their prospects, they could hinder them from sustaining success in the majors. Jimenez could force his way onto the major league roster, but for now, he will most likely start 2018 in the minors.