White Sox: Who Will Be Future Closer on South Side?
Zack Burdi
Burdi is the definition of a fan favorite pitcher. He is consistently hitting triple digits with a slider in the mid to upper 90’s. Not to mention he grew up about 20 minutes from Guaranteed Rate Field in Downers Grove, Ill. His potential is through the roof as he has all of the makings of a dominant closer. The only thing holding him back from being named the White Sox closer in the coming years is waiting for the result of his performance post-Tommy John surgery. Burdi had his ulnar collateral ligament repaired in late July 2017.
In three years at Louisville, Burdi had a total of 20 saves with an ERA of 2.44. What caught the eye of major league scouts, and the White Sox, in particular, was his fastball and ability to fan batters. Burdi averaged a K/9 of 10.67 in college. His outstanding skillset as a closer makes the future of the bullpen bright by itself.
However, like Jones, Burdi is held back by an injury. Some members of the White Sox front office believe he will not see game action again until 2019. Once he does return, however, do not expect a long wait before he is sitting in the bullpen on the South Side. By that time he will be 24, and a very strong candidate to not only be the closer then but the closer of the future.