The Chicago White Sox are in a state of purgatory. Last season was nothing short of a massive disappointment, as evidenced by the 61-101 record. President Ken Williams and GM Rick Hahn were both fired in late August after it became apparent that the White Sox window of contention had temporarily shut after just one playoff appearance to show for it.
The one positive that the Sox can take into ’24 is that they made several smart moves to replenish the farm system without losing any of their truly elite talent. Getting five players that could improve the roster out of Aaron Bummer was incredibly savvy, and the return for Jake Burger has begun to bear fruit.
The South Siders have pieces to build around. Luis Robert has become an MVP dark horse, and Eloy Jimenez and Andrew Benintendi round out a solid outfield. Dylan Cease, amidst the trade rumors, is an arm that could be in a playoff rotation, despite little other high-end talent around him. The Sox brass has made it clear they’re still going to try and compete with this core, drafting nothing but college players in 2023. 2024 will be an era-defining year for the Sox, and unless the players waiting in the wings are able to help the struggling big-league club, the Sox brass may be forced to start from scratch.
Head over to the Pitcher List Dynasty page to check out the rest of our released farm system rankings!
Top White Sox Prospects
The Top Tier
1) Colson Montgomery – 21 Y/O SS
2023 MiLB Stats (CPX, A+, AA,): .287/.455/.484/8 HR/ 2 SB/19.0 K%/19.0 BB%
Montgomery has been the crown jewel of the White Sox Minor League system for the past two years, and has a chance to establish himself as the Southsiders everyday shortstop in 2024. The 21-year-old struggled with oblique injuries, limiting him to just 64 games this past season, but a strong Arizona Fall League performance (3 HRs, 20 RBIs in 20 games) showed his ability to bounce back.
The former first-round pick utilizes a sweet, powerful stroke to drive the ball to all fields. He’s an intimidating presence at the plate, as his 6’3” frame allows him to generate power that smaller middle infielders cannot. His swing and frame have shades of Corey Seager in them, despite not yielding the same results to date. Montgomery has the tools to be the White Sox’s next franchise shortstop, but needs to stay healthy in order to hold down that spot.
2) Noah Schultz – 20 Y/O LHP
2023 Stats (A): 27.0 IP, 1.33 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 37 SO
Schultz, a Chicago native, has a frame that you’d be more likely to see in the NBA than the MLB. Standing at 6’9”, Schultz had scouts dreaming about his potential before the White Sox snapped him up at the end of the first round in 2022, and in his limited time in professional baseball he has shown why. His numbers in his 10 appearances in Single-A ball speak for themselves, but what makes him so promising doesn’t show up in box scores.
Schultz has relied on his two best pitches to get hitters out thus far in his career. His slider is his #1 weapon, a sweeper that starts in the left-handed batter’s box and ends on the opposite corner. He’s also shown a solid fastball that can reach the high 90s and keeps hitters honest in the zone. The White Sox have been working on expanding his arsenal with a two-seamer and a changeup, which will only add to his already impressive pitch mix. Schultz is a long, long way away from Guaranteed Rate Field, but is by far the most intriguing arm in the Sox system.
3) Edgar Quero – 20 Y/O C
2023 Stats (AA) : .255/.380/.351/ 6 HR/ 1 SB/17.2 K%/ 12.7 BB%
Quero arrived in Chicago’s farm system after being traded from the Los Angeles Angels in the deal that sent Lucas Giolito to California. His 2023 left a lot to be desired compared to his previous campaign, as his power and on-base numbers dropped significantly. His 2022 season was a glimpse of his potential, smacking 17 home runs with a .985 OPS and 150 wRC+. While his numbers didn’t reach these heights, the walk and strikeout rates have stayed consistent, which is an encouraging sign.
Quero’s a switch hitter but has shown flashes of a serious power stroke from the left side of the plate. He keeps his swing compact and can explode on the ball. Most of his power is to the pull side, but he’s shown a solid ability to get on base to all fields as well. Quero is behind Martin Maldonado, Max Stassi, and Korey Lee in the organizational depth chart, but he should see some MLB innings in 2024.
4) Nick Nastrini – 23 Y/O RHP
2023 Stats (AAA): 114.2 IP, 4.08 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 139 SO
Nastrini was the key return piece in the trade that sent Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to the Dodgers, and it’s easy to see why the Sox wanted him. The 6’3″ right-hander boasts three MLB-ready pitches and has shown the ability to get swings and misses on all of them. The fastball sits in the mid-90s and plays especially well up in the zone. He also has a sharp, tight slider that causes chaos when paired with his high-spin curveball. The horizontal/vertical movement profiles on these pitches give hitters fits.
The one major flaw in Nastrini’s game is that he’s struggled to prevent free passes, allowing 4+ walks per nine innings at every stop in the minors bar one (AA with CHI in 2023, 2.95). He showed improvement in this area after getting traded, as over his final seven starts, he boasted a 48/15 K/BB ratio in 36.1 innings. The Sox made moves to bolster their rotation in the offseason, but if any of those signings backfire, Nastrini should be the first one waiting to get his opportunity.
5) Jacob Gonzalez – 21 Y/O SS
2023 MiLB Stats (Rk, A) : .211/.333/.260/ 1 HR / 1 SB / 16.3 K% / 15.0 BB%
Gonzalez got off to a slow start in his first foray into professional baseball, but the 15th-overall pick out of Ole Miss has the raw tools to fly through the White Sox system. Gonzalez was touted as one of the most pro-ready bats in a loaded 2023 draft class and proved it throughout his time in the SEC. In three years of college baseball, Gonzalez had a .988 OPS and walked almost 30 more times than he struck out (123 BB’s, 94 K’s).
Since arriving in Pro Ball, his offensive numbers have taken a hit, but the walk and strikeout rates have remained steady. If his college form resurfaces after some more experience in the Minors, Gonzalez could push for an Opening Day roster spot in 2025. There isn’t a lot of high-end middle infield talent down on the farm right now for the Southsiders, so the pressure is on for Gonzalez and Montgomery to take the reins in the not-so-distant future.
6) Jose Rodriguez – 22 Y/O INF
2023 Stats (AA/AAA): .262/.292/.437/21 HR/31 SB/ 21.9 K%/ 4.4 BB%
Rodriguez will likely begin 2024 either on the Major League roster or on the fringes of it due to his power and speed combo. His numbers speak for themselves, as 20+ homers and 30+ steals from a second baseman will without a doubt draw interest in fantasy leagues. The primary concern with Rodriguez is the staggeringly low walk rate. His sub-5 % walk rate was the 13th worst amongst qualified batters in the Minor Leagues last season, which limits his ceiling as an everyday second baseman.
Rodriguez’s bat is no joke. He has a quick, repeatable load step that allows him to generate serious power to the pull side. The White Sox roster as it stands is seriously lacking power in the middle infield spots, so Rodriguez would be an in-house fix. Nicky Lopez and Romy Gonzalez will likely be the primary options for skipper Pedro Grifol, but if Rodriguez can turn a corner and learn to draw some walks, it will be hard to warrant keeping him in the minors.
7) Jake Eder – 25 Y/O SP
2023 Stats (A, AA) : 56.2 IP, 6.35 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 70 SO
Eder struggled immensely after being traded to the Southsiders from Miami in return for Jake Burger. The former Vanderbilt Commodore limped his way to an 11.42 ERA and 6.93 FIP over his five starts with his new organization. The primary reason for the stark drop-off in performance was his lack of control, allowing almost eight walks per nine innings. That said, Eder has the tools and has shown the potential to be a focal point in an MLB rotation.
Eder broke out in 2021, putting up a 1.77 ERA and 12.49 K/9 over 71 innings in Double-A. He missed all of 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and hasn’t been as dominant since returning, but there is a track record of excellence for Eder in the minors. The 6’4″ lefty has an easy, repeatable 3/4 delivery that deceives hitters with its release point. His slider is one of the best in the Minors, sitting in the mid to high 80s with a sharp sweeping action across the plate. Fangraphs prospect summary states that he could be “the lefty Spencer Strider“, which should make Sox fans very excited.
Prospects Dynasty Managers Should Know
8) Cristian Mena – 21 Y/O SP
2023 Stats (AA, AAA): 133.5 IP, 4.85 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 156 SO
Mena is arguably the most exciting arm in the White Sox farm system. The 6’2″ righty out of the Dominican Republic has a smooth but explosive delivery that exudes confidence on the mound. His fastball has solid shape and velocity, but his offspeed stuff could be truly special. He boasts a tight, curveball that doesn’t have crazy vertical break, but he makes up for it with above average horizontal shape. It looks more like a “slurve” but still gets solid results. Mena will likely start 2024 in AAA with Nastrini and Eder, making up a really exciting rotation for the Sox top Minor League team.
9) Bryan Ramos – 21 Y/O 3B
2023 Stats (AA, AAA): .264/.358/.450/15 HR/4 SB/ 22.0 K% / 10.6 BB%
Ramos’ ceiling is hard to decipher, but he could end up being the best hitter in the White Sox system. His calling card is his power potential, which started to emerge in 2023. His .186 ISO ranked 6th in the White Sox system among batters with more than 300 PA’s. That said, his walk rates have been inconsistent, which could limit his potential as an elite fantasy option. His glove is also far from perfect, registering 13 errors in 561 innings at the hot corner in 2023. His future in the MLB may be limited to being an everyday DH, but his bat has the potential to be special.
10) Jacob Burke – 21 Y/O OF
2023 Stats (A, A+): .294/.392/.439/ 6 HR/19 SB/22.1 K%/9.4 BB%
Burke is arguably the best outfield prospect in the White Sox farm. The Miami product was an 11th round pick after an incredible final collegiate season, hitting .347 with 13 long balls. His numbers since becoming a pro haven’t been as stellar, but the tools are still evident. Burke projects as a corner outfielder with a solid glove with 20 HR, 20 SB potential anywhere in the lineup. The toolsy outfielder is yet to make it to AA, but could be on the cusp of the big leagues in the next year if the White Sox commit to a rebuild.
11) Peyton Pallette – 22 Y/O SP
2023 Stats (A): 72.0 IP, 4.13 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 78 SO
Pallette was largely considered as a first round talent before the 2022 draft, but lost his entire collegiate season to Tommy John surgery, allowing the Sox to get him in the 2nd round. Pallette is still miles away from the Major Leagues, but his stuff and his remarkably effortless delivery are signs that he could rocket his way through the minors in 2024. Pallette’s mid 90’s fastball is solid, generating whiffs in and above the zone, especially when his changeup is on. His breaking stuff, a sweepy slider and a curve with lots of depth, are developing but look good on tape.
12) Brooks Baldwin – 23 Y/O INF/OF
2023 Stats (AA, AAA) : .269/.349/.460/15 HR/22 SB/ 21.6 K%/ 12.0 BB%
Baldwin is one of several late-round draft steals on this list. The UNC Wilmington product was drafted in the 12th round of the 2022 draft, and will be hoping to build off of a stellar 2023 season to put himself on the fringes of the Major Leagues. Baldwin is a well rounded hitter, showing flashes of elite power in his two year professional career (191 ISO in 2023, 4th in Sox org.), and can also be a threat on the bases. Baldwin has registered innings at every position on the diamond (minus catcher) and could be a Swiss-army knife type player for the White Sox as soon as 2025.
13) Seth Keener – 22 Y/O SP
2023 MiLB Stats (Rk, A): 12.1 IP, 4.38 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 14 SO
On paper, it may be baffling that Keener is this high on the list. Twelve professional innings aren’t much of a sample size to truly make a judgment, but his success at Wake Forest before being drafted is enough of a reason to land him in the top 15 on this list. Often overshadowed by Rhett Lowder with the Demon Deacons, Keener put up a 2.69 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 70.1 innings. Keener’s slider has the potential to be special, utilizing high spin to generate great horizontal and vertical action. It’s still too early to say based on his professional performance, but Keener has the potential to be a middle-of-the-rotation arm for the Sox before long.
14) Mason Adams– 23 Y/O SP
2023 Stats (A, A+, AA): 109.0 IP, 3.14 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 125 SO
The former 15th-round pick out of Jacksonville University has been excellent since entering professional baseball and could be one of the biggest risers on prospect lists in 2024. Adams’ numbers speak for themselves, and his 3.39 FIP ranks 2nd best in the organization among arms with more than 100 innings. He’s currently not among the White Sox top 30 prospects according to MLB.com, but a strong 2024 could land him on the fringes of the big leagues before long.
15) Jonathan Cannon – 22 Y/O SP
2023 Stats (A+, AA): 121.o IP, 4.46 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 106 SO
Standing at 6’6″, Cannon is one of several Sox pitchers that have an imposing presence on the mound. Cannon’s ERA took a jump after being promoted to AA, but his slightly improved walk rate and an inflated BABIP are signs that he will end up being just fine at that level. Cannon has a four pitch arsenal that isn’t far away from being MLB ready, with a really strong Fastball/Slider combination that works wonders when they’re on.
The Next Five
Although these prospects do not crack the top 15, dynasty managers should keep their eye on these five players.
George Wolkow – 18 Y/O OF: 2023 7th rounder out of Chicago. 6’7” outfielder who has shown the ability to hit for power, get on, and steal bases in his 13-game audition in professional baseball.
Ky Bush SP/RP, 24 Y/O – 6’6″ lefty with good stuff. Numbers haven’t been good since getting drafted but has the tools that could translate into success.
Sean Burke – 6’6″ right-hander drafted out of Maryland in 2022. ERA numbers were dismal in 2023 but his 4-pitch repertoire and solid track record before ’23 make him worth a mention.
Grant Taylor – 2nd round pick in ’23 out of LSU. Missed the entire championship season due to Tommy John, but was excellent on the Cape in 2022 with Brewster. Will likely come out of the bullpen at the next level.
Ryan Burrowes INF, 19 Y/O – .752 OPS in two seasons of professional baseball, and has shown the ability to steal bases as well. Will likely debut in Single-A to start 2024