White Sox top prospect determined to reach majors in 2018 despite just under 20 games played in Double-A at end of 2017 season.
Chicago White Sox top prospect Eloy Jimenez had an incredible second half this past season in Single-A and Double-A. With the 21-year-old outfield also having success in the Dominican Winter League, he’s now has his eyes set on reaching the majors in 2018.
Jimenez is the fourth overall prospect according to MLBPipeline.com and could very well reach the majors next season. However, Sox general manager Rick Hahn has stated Jimenez would need more seasoning in the minors before being promoted. He did note that Jimenez could ‘force the issue’ in getting called up to the majors.
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This is something Jimenez is very positive he can accomplish. According to Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune, Jimenez feels very confident that he can play in the majors whenever the Sox are ready to promote him. For now, Jimenez is only focusing on working hard, doing things that he knows he can do and trying to force the Sox hand in getting him to the majors.
Through 89 games this past season, Jimenez hit .312/.379/.568 with 19 home runs and 65 RBIs. In the Dominican Winter League, Jimenez had a .368 batting average with four home runs through 19 games for Gigantes del Cibao.
"“As a player, you always have to improve in all of your game. Offense, defense, running the bases … all the areas of the game. But the only way you can do that is getting experience … (so that I can) reach the majors as soon as I can.” Eloy Jimenez"
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The Sox enjoy the luxury of not needing to rush Jimenez to the majors. Jimenez certainly needs more time in the minors before he’s promoted, and the Sox certainly want him to gain more experience. When Jimenez is truly ready for the major leagues, expect him to make the Sox a much better team offensively.