White Sox MiLB Report: Six Prospects Ranked in MLB Pipeline Top 100
White Sox prospects well represented in latest MLB Pipeline ranking with six prospects ranked in Top 100. Top Sox prospect ranked third overall.
The White Sox farm system was well represented yet again with the latest MLB Pipeline Top 100 ranking that was released on Saturday. After Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus released their overall prospects rankings, MLB Pipeline showcased its latest prospect ranking which had six White Sox prospects in its Top 100 prospects.
With most of the attention of Sox fans being paid to whether the team can sign Manny Machado, the team’s farm system continues to get good recognition. Eloy Jimenez, Michael Kopech, Dylan Cease, Luis Robert, Nick Madrigal, and Dane Dunning were the six Sox prospects ranked in the Top 100 of MLB Pipeline’s prospect rankings going into the 2019 season.
Most of the Sox six prospects in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 will either make their major league debuts later this upcoming season or already have debuted with the Sox. The Sox highest ranked prospect, Jimenez, came in at No.3 overall in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list and should make his debut later this season, possibly as soon as mid-April.
The Sox farm system should be a good selling point to any free agent that would like to sign a long-term deal. With many top prospects on their way to Chicago in the next few years, the Sox have the depth to build a sustainable winner on the South Side.
Eloy Jimenez-#3 Ranked Prospect
Jimenez has been a popular prospect of Sox fans since being acquired in a trade with the Cubs during the Summer of 2017. The 22-year-old has appeared to be ready for the Majors since last Summer after a great stint with Triple-A Charlotte to end his 2018 season.
Through 55 games with the Knights last season, Jimenez owned an impressive .355/.399/.597 slash line with a .996 OPS, 12 home runs and 33 RBIs. Jimenez hit a combined 22 home runs through 89 games with Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte in 2018. Many Sox fans were eager to see Jimenez promoted last September but the front office held off and wanted him to work on his defense.
There isn’t much left for Jimenez to do in the minors. He’s been working on his defense this offseason and should make it hard for the Sox to hold him back even further in Spring Training. When Jimenez does make his major league debut, he should fit in nicely near the middle of the Sox batting lineup.
Michael Kopech-#18 Ranked Prospect
Kopech had a magical yet brief start to his major league career last season. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher made his MLB debut on Aug. 21 against the Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field. Despite the Sox record at the time, there was a buzz in the air that night.
Kopech would record four strikeouts in two innings pitched but the game was delayed by rain and would end the night for the young pitcher. In his next start, Kopech would show why he was the Sox top-ranked prospect in 2018 as he recorded his first major league quality start on the road against the Detroit Tigers.
Although Kopech showed promise through his first three starts with the Sox, he would end his season prematurely with an injury. Kopech’s injury was a UCL tear in his right elbow which required Tommy John surgery. Kopech will miss the entire 2019 season as he recovers from his surgery. Once he returns in 2020, Kopech could be a top of the rotation starter for the Sox.
Dylan Cease-#21 Ranked Prospect
Cease was the other prospect included in the trade made with the Cubs back in the Summer of 2017 for Jose Quintana. Since being acquired by the Sox, Cease has climbed up the ranks in their farm system.
Last season, Cease had an incredible year with High-A Winston-Salem and with the Barons. Through 23 combined starts with the Dash and the Barons, Cease posted a 12-2 record with a 2.40 ERA, 160 strikeouts and a 1.065 WHIP in 124 total innings pitched.
Cease could start this upcoming season with Charlotte as he inches closer to making his major league debut in 2019. Much like Kopech in 2018, Cease could also have a lot of buzz surrounding him when he debuts with the Sox. Cease has been another quality pitching prospect for the Sox and could also be a top of the rotation starter in the near future.
Luis Robert-#40 Ranked Prospect
Robert hasn’t been able to showcase his true potential in the minors as he dealt with various injuries over the past two years. When he does get a chance to play, however, he shows just why the Sox signed him as International free agent back in 2017.
The 21-year-old outfielder played just 50 total games last season. He didn’t make his season debut until June 5 with Low-A Kannapolis. In 50 combined games with Kannapolis, Winston-Salem and with the AZL White Sox, Robert hit .269 with 11 doubles, 15 stolen bases, and 17 RBIs.
Robert could start this upcoming season with Winston-Salem and possibly end the year with Birmingham or even Charlotte. The native Cuban will need to remain healthy as his progression through the minors has been stalled the past two years due to injuries. If Robert can avoid getting injured, he could also improve his prospect ranking going into 2020.
Nick Madrigal-#47 Ranked Prospect
Madrigal was drafted with the fourth overall pick in the MLB Draft last Summer. After helping the Oregon State Beavers win a College World Series championship, Madrigal performed well in his first professional season in the Sox farm system.
Through 43 total games last season, Madrigal hit .303 with seven doubles, eight stolen bases and struck out just five times in 173 total plate appearances. Madrigal could be the Sox future second baseman or even shortstop. But for now, his development in the minors is what’s most important.
The Sox made a good selection in drafting Madrigal. With his ability to put the ball in play often, he could be a good addition to a Sox team that could be contending when he makes his major league debut. Madrigal might not hit for much power but he will bring other attributes to the Sox that will help them remain competitive.
Dane Dunning-#80 Ranked Prospect
Dunning was acquired from the Washington Nationals back in December of 2016 along with Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez in exchange for Adam Eaton. Since being acquired, Dunning has been another solid pitching prospect for the Sox.
Along with Kopech and Cease, Dunning gives the Sox some solid pitching prospect depth. Last season Dunning ended his year early due to injury. In 15 combined starts with Winston-Salem and Birmingham, Dunning posted a 6-3 record with a 2.71 ERA, 100 strikeouts and a 1.193 WHIP through 86.1 innings pitched.
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Dunning might not make his MLB debut until later this season if at all. If Dunning can remain healthy on the mound, he could end his season with Charlotte or possibly with the Sox when rosters expand in September. Dunning could be a solid middle of the rotation starter with the Sox in the near future.