3 prospects who should debut soon for the Chicago White Sox

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Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the Chicago White Sox do not have much to play for in 2024. The team is 26 games behind in the AL Central and has the worst record in baseball by seven games. Suffice it to say, the team needs to give their young prospects a chance to play sooner than later.

There are a few prospects who are still a ways off from contributing in the bigs. For example, No. 2 prospect Noah Schultz doesn't figure to debut until 2026. Jacob Gonzalez and Samuel Zavala should contribute next season. However, there are a few important prospects who should debut soon.

Drew Thorpe was already called up to make his MLB debut on Tuesday night. After Thorpe, it may not be much longer before we see some more debuts. Today, let's identify the three prospects who should debut and play a part in the second half of the team's season.

Jairo Iriarte, RHP

The White Sox traded away ace Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres before the season began. In return, the Sox got the aforementioned Thorpe, Zavala, Steven Wilson, and Jairo Iriarte. The early returns on Iriarte are impressive, as the pitcher has held his own with Double-A Birmingham.

Iriarte has accumulated a 3.97 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with the Barons. Perhaps most impressive, the pitcher has 71 strikeouts to just 28 walks. Iriarte's best pitches are a plus fastball that touches 100 MPH and a slider that paints the corners. The 22-year-old rocketed up the Padres' system after signing for just $75,000 back in 2018.

If the young flamethrower continues to impress in Double-A, don't be surprised to see a call up soon. Iriarte is already on the 40-man, so the team could easily bring him up after the trade deadline.

Chicago White Sox Photo Day / Michael Reaves/GettyImages

Edgar Quero, C

Edgar Quero was the prize of the Lucas Giolito-Reynaldo Lopez swap the Sox initiated with the Los Angeles Angels. The toolsy catcher is looked at as the catcher of the future, and it's easy to see why.

Quero is a switch hitter who can go to opposite field from either side of the plate. The catcher is just an average defender for now, but we know how badly the Sox need offense.

Through 52 games in Birmingham, Quero is slashing .273 /.367/.471 with 10 homers and 42 RBI. The 21-year-old catcher likely needs more time in the minors to develop his framing, but he could be a decent bat as soon as this season.

Even if Quero doesn't debut in 2024, it would not be surprising to see the catcher win the starting job in 2025. With the way Martin Maldonado has struggled in 2024, the team may decide to go with a Quero/Korey Lee platoon after the trade deadline.

Colson Montgomery, IF

Colson Montgomery is the prize of the White Sox farm system. The consensus top prospect in the system should make his debut soon, and he has the upside to transform the White Sox infield.

Montgomery has struggled in AAA this season, slashing .225/.335/.373 in 55 games. Adjusting to major league pitching will likely be a test, but the top prospect should get to test it out in a lost season like 2024.

Montgomery has drawn comparisons to Corey Seager thanks to his strong left-handed swing and big frame for a shortstop. The infielder has impressed at every level of the minors until this point, and has maintained his speed despite adding size.

Montgomery is going to take his lumps as a pro, every prospect does. What better time to let the prospect take those lumps than 2024? With Paul DeJong almost assuredly getting shipped out at the deadline, Montgomery should spend the latter half of the season with the big league club.

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