This Chicago White Sox prospect is hoping to make club in 2022

Chicago White Sox 2017 sixth-round draft pick Kade McClure recently wrapped up instructing youngsters on the fine art of pitching. Now, he is hoping to receive his own daily instruction as a member of the parent club this season,

McClure was MLB Pipeline’s pitching prospect of 2021 for the White Sox and is projected to begin the season in Charlotte this season. The 19th ranked prospect in the Sox organization, McClure had knee issues in his first season but rebounded to pitch fairly well in two Class A levels.

During instructional league play, he managed to bring the velocity up on his fastball to the 92-95 miles per hour zone.

MLB Pipeline Scouting report indicates that the six-foot seven-inch righthander has some trouble getting left-handed hitters out. In addition to the fastball, scouts report him having a solid slider, a decent curveball, and a changeup that needs some work.

What scouts do like is his control. He averaged 2.1 walks per nine innings and is projected as a back-end starter or a reliever who can work several innings when called upon.

McClure divided his time last year between AA Birmingham and AAA Charlotte where he finished with a combined 4.87 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 115.1 innings of work. His time at Charlotte was rough though as he posted a 6.61 ERA over nine starts and allowed 6 homers in 37 innings. The hitters put up a .315 average during those games.

Chances are McClure will start the year back in Charlotte after not being added to the 40-man roster at the end of last year. McClure knows he has his work cut out for him but is up for the challenge.

"“I’m still just as focused and preparing just as much as I ever have to be ready for that opportunity, whether that was being added or not, because being added doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the big leagues,” he said.  “I’m still fighting for a spot against even some of those guys who were added.”"

Although not ranked as the highest pitching prospect in the Sox organization, the University of Louisville product is expected to arrive in the majors at some point this season.