Chicago White Sox: Three players to watch during spring training
The long offseason is officially over for the Chicago White Sox and the rest of the MLB. Spring training is finally going to start on Sunday for Chicago. Preseason baseball may not seem all that exciting and in most years you can argue that it isn’t. However, the shortened season in 2020 and the overall excitement level about this year’s Chicago White Sox team make it a welcome viewing experience.
The best thing about the preseason in any sport is the chance to see guys who may not get much playing time otherwise. The White Sox have quite a few young pieces on the team currently and they also have players to look forward to in the near future as well. So while the level of play on the field may not be the most exciting thing to watch, let’s look at some key players to keep an eye on during spring training:
Player #1: Yermin Mercedes
Yermin Mercedes only played in one game in 2020 where he received one total at-bat. Going into the season Mercedes became somewhat of a fan-favorite despite not receiving playing time. His thick frame can allow for some impressive power which he hasn’t been able to show at the big league level yet.
Mercedes also has a great story and reaching this point could be seen as improbable. He wasn’t drafted but signed with the Nationals as an amateur all the way back in 2011. He’s worked his way through the minors, foreign, and winter leagues to get where he’s at.
The White Sox have him listed as a catcher but don’t expect him to play much at catcher during the regular season unless there are injuries. However, Mercedes can certainly serve as a DH or pinch-hitter on occasion.
Player #2: Andrew Vaughn
Andrew Vaughn is currently listed as a non-roster invitee but can still make the team on opening day. Whether he makes the opening day roster or not, he will most certainly be making his debut on the southside in 2021.
Vaughn was drafted 3rd overall in the 2019 draft and was drafted to be the first baseman of the future. A start as the DH spot may seem likely with Abreu still playing at the position currently. Vaughn is thought of as a great hitter with average defense. There is no doubt that his bat makes him an elite prospect.
MLB.com currently has him ranked at number 14 in their top 100 prospect rankings so he seems like a can’t miss prospect. The Sox have done a great job of acquiring young talented hitters and developing them.
It will be interesting to see if he does make the team on opening day. Vaughn has been pegged as a guy who would fly through the minors and so far he has. However, the lack of a season in 2020 could have hurt his growth a little bit. Either way, his eventual debut will certainly be a highlight of the 2021 season for the Chicago White Sox and fans of the team.
Player #3: Michael Kopech
Michael Kopech, at one point, was thought of as the Sox best pitching prospect. It’s still possible that some may still think that way but catching up to Lucas Giolito at this point will be tough. Kopech is still very young at 24 years old and has loads of potential that can still be unlocked. He just needs to start racking up some experience.
Michael Kopech hasn’t pitched in a baseball game since September 5th, 2018, which was a very long time ago. He showed some flashes in his few starts but also had some struggles before going down with an injury. That injury needed the infamous Tommy John surgery which kept him out of the entire 2019 season as well.
Fast forward a bit to the 2020 season and he decided to opt-out of playing due to personal reasons. It seemed like Kopech has been through a lot since that brief 2018 season and he will be eased into things to start 2021. It was announced earlier that he will be pitching out of the bullpen to at least start the year.
There is no issue with this move at all. This could also be a permanent spot for Kopech. The Sox will be giving him chances to start this year but the team also has a plethora of starters ready to go this year. There is also Garrett Crochet who finds himself in a similar spot to Kopech.
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It’s going to feel good to watch Kopech and the rest of the team develop as the season progresses. For the first time in a very long time, the team has some high expectations and this season should be a treat to watch.