White Sox Add Five Prospects to 40-Man Roster Ahead of Rule 5 Draft
By Matt Manetti
Luis Alexander Basabe, OF
The White Sox acquired Luis Alexander Basabe from Boston in the Chris Sale trade last offseason. At 21-years-old, he began the season as the White Sox eighth ranked prospect, but has since slid to 17th. When he came over, there were some stories written on how he could be someone to watch, he just needed some time.
Personally I was really high on Basabe but he hasn’t really been that impressive. And he’s slipped down the rankings within the organization. Still, he’s young and extremely raw. So there is a chance he can continue to develop. He’s a switch-hitting outfielder, who could potentially play center field. At High-A Winston Salem, he hit five home runs and had 36 RBIs, while hitting .221. He did manage to steal 21 bases.
If you read his profile on at mlbpipeline.com, they say he could be a 20-20 guy if he becomes more polished offensively. That would definitely be a welcome sight. The White Sox are looking to hit more home runs, so that type of production would help. And he has speed. So he could potentially be at the top of lineup. That sort of production is becoming the norm from the leadoff or two-spot. Of course he needs to continue to develop and seems a long way from that.