The Chicago White Sox may not have many big names on the farm beyond Carlos Rodon and Tim Anderson, the team’s first-round draft picks from the last two years, respectively, but they’ve quietly developed a deep system featuring a combination of high-probability and high-ceiling prospects.
Right-hander Tyler Danish, 20, likely projects better as a reliever due to a sidearm delivery, but the uniqueness of his delivery and stuff allowed him to dominate older hitters this season between Low- and High-A. Right-hander Francellis Montas missed part of the season with a knee injury, but he sits in the upper 90s with his fastball and is incredibly difficult to barrel.
Outfielder Courtney Hawkins, the No. 13 overall pick in 2012, rebounded well from an overaggressive assignment to High-A last year with a more consistent performance in his second tour of the Carolina League. That being said, strikeouts are still an issue and probably always will be.
Third baseman Trey Michalczewski flew under the radar with a solid full-season debut, and the 19-year-old switch-hitting third baseman is a candidate for a breakout performance in 2014.
The success and development of the team’s middle infielders this season was a bright spot, as shortstop Tim Anderson blew past expectations at High-A Winston-Salem and received a taste of Double-A, while second baseman Micah Johnson would have been a September call-up if not for a season-ending hamstring injury.
The White Sox landed NC State left-hander Carlos Rodon—the top talent and projected No. 1 overall pick when the season started—with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, and the organization wasted no time putting the 21-year-old on the fast track to the major leagues. Following a similar developmental time line as ace Chris Sale, Rodon made stops in rookie ball and High-A before finishing his pro debut at Triple-A Charlotte. Meanwhile, the South Siders also found a potential steal in right-hander Spencer Adams in the second round (No. 44 overall pick), as the first-round talent flashed his huge upside in his pro debut.
Here are the Chicago White Sox’s top 10 prospects for 2015.
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