White Sox top prospect isn’t focused on why he wasn’t promoted late last season but instead is focusing on improving his overall game.
When the White Sox didn’t promote their top prospect, Eloy Jimenez, last September, there were some fans who were okay with it and others who were frustrated. Jimenez tore up minor league pitching again last year and many fans believed the 22-year-old belonged in the Majors in 2018.
One of the main things the Sox want Jimenez to work on before being promoted is his outfield defense. While Jimenez has a powerful bat, he’s not an elite defender. In order to prevent Jimenez from becoming what Sox general manager Rick Hahn described as mainly being a designated hitter, the young player has been tasked with working on his outfield defense.
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According to James Fegan of The Athletic (subscription required), Jimenez has been working on his outfield defense during the offseason and has even hit the gym more often than he had before. The Sox top prospect also has been taking his younger brother, Enoy to team workouts in the Dominican Republic. When looking at not getting promoted last season, Jimenez points to the maturity he gained instead of being upset.
"“I know I’m going to make it this year and I’m going to do what I can do, and what I can control on the field. Last year helped me a lot because when you’ve got a season like that, and they don’t give what you want, you get more maturity. That makes you more mature. That’s helped me a lot last year for this year.” Eloy Jimenez"
The Sox have a quality prospect in Jimenez and even though he might not get promoted to the Majors until after the start of this upcoming season, its good to see he is getting more mature as a player. Jimenez could have chosen to be upset about not getting promoted late last season, but instead, he’s taken the time to continue improving his overall game.
Whenever Jimenez takes the next step and is promoted to the Sox, it will be a joyous occasion for everyone involved. Sox fans are eager to see Jimenez in the Majors and it appears the young outfielder is mature enough to handle the rigors of being an everyday player at the next level. It won’t be too long before Jimenez is playing on the South Side.