By now, you’ve likely heard that the White Sox are struggling, and while losing 120 games in a major-league season involves numerous factors, much of the blame points to owner Jerry Reinsdorf. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, even as the team still faces evident shortcomings that need to be addressed for both the near and distant future, particularly since their system currently ranks among the bottom half in MLB.
The Chicago farm system may not be in stellar shape, but it has significantly improved compared to a year ago. The most notable advancement lies in the depth and potential of their incoming pitching talent, although the development of hitters still leaves much to be desired.
Noah Schultz was viewed as a risky first-round selection in 2022. He is a local talent who lost a substantial portion of his senior year due to mono and is set to be one of the tallest pitchers in MLB history at 6-foot-9. Despite a shoulder scare that ended his 2023 season, he dominated this year, recording 115 strikeouts in 88 1/3 innings (32 percent) between High A and Double A, along with only 24 walks and a 2.24 ERA. Schultz is a lower-slot lefty, which the White Sox seem to favor. His arm slot makes him exceptionally challenging for left-handed hitters, complemented by a fastball that can reach 99 mph, along with a slider and changeup that are both at least above average. Maintaining his health will be crucial, especially given the potential for injury linked to his delivery and size, but he has the potential to be a No. 1 starter.
There is now a genuine depth in pitching beyond Schultz, a significant change from a year ago. The organization has made substantial investments in pitching, including the establishment of a dedicated pitching lab in Arizona and the recruitment of several forward-thinking personnel, notably Ethan Katz and Brian Bannister, who are recognized for their ability to develop young pitching talent. The quality of the players available for development has greatly improved compared to this time last year.
Hagen Smith, the Sox’s top pick this July, is another high-ceiling left-hander. (Steven Branscombe / USA Today)
This year’s first-round selection, lefty Hagen Smith, excelled as the top pitcher in the SEC this spring and could very well start the 2025 season in Double A. He boasts a strong fastball/changeup duo and, interestingly, also features a lower arm slot, although this has occasionally led to his slider being overly horizontal. Right-hander Grant Taylor, who underwent Tommy John surgery this offseason, only managed to pitch 25 innings this year before a lat injury concluded his season in June. However, during that limited time, he displayed an effective slider that impressed scouts.
94-95, possessing an excellent delivery that allows him to throw a significant number of strikes.
This spring, Jairo Iriarte joined the team in the Dylan Cease trade. While I anticipate he is more suited for a reliever’s role than that of a starter, he does have considerable potential as a bullpen arm or could serve as a reliable five-inning starter if he manages to navigate a lineup twice effectively. He arrived along with Drew Thorpe, who is currently sidelined due to an elbow injury; however, he is likely a back-end starter equipped with a changeup rated at 70, which helps offset his subpar fastball.
Nick Nastrini, a former Dodgers’ prospect who joined through the Lance Lynn/Joe Kelly trade last year, experienced a downturn in 2024, even at the Triple-A level. Nevertheless, he possesses high-quality stuff capable of missing plenty of bats, provided he can maintain at least 45 control. This could place him in the bullpen or potentially keep him in the rotation. Even if he walks 10 percent of hitters, he could still function as a very effective major-league starter.
Mason Adams, selected in the 13th round of the 2022 draft, demonstrates remarkable control and potentially has a 55 slider. However, his fastball sits at a modest 89-92 mph, possibly positioning him more as a sixth starter or swingman — which would be a fantastic result for a Day 3 pick and bolsters their depth. Even Davis Martin, currently in the majors, has made a comeback from Tommy John surgery with a new cutter, making him nearly a 1-WAR pitcher across nine MLB starts. His success indicates he should be part of their 2025 rotation.
However, pitching isn’t the main issue. As of September 19, the team has managed to score only 473 runs, which places them more than 100 runs behind the next weakest offense in the AL (the Tampa Bay Rays), and they have truly earned this lack of scoring.
Andrew Vaughn stands out as the team’s sole regular with a wRC+ above 100 (indicating league-average offense), barely reaching that mark last week with a lackluster .247/.299/.412 line (as of September 19), rendering him a replacement-level first baseman. Throughout the past decade, they have succeeded in developing only two or three homegrown players who became average major-league hitters. Luis Robert is one such player, boasting only one full, productive season in the majors; the other is Jake Burger, who has a career wRC+ of 111 but remains a flawed hitter due to an excessive strikeout rate and insufficient walk frequency for regular status.
Then, there’s Tim Anderson, whose performance surged as an above-average hitter between 2019 and 2021 but diminished sharply by the age of 30, largely because he never achieved any sort of plate discipline. These three constitute their best hitting development stories of the past decade, each accompanied by significant caveats. You might argue for partial credit regarding Eloy Jiménez, acquired from the Cubs while he was still in High A, but if you need to make that case, doesn’t it indicate more about the existing problem?
This struggle to cultivate hitters extends beyond individual responsibility. I’m not assigning blame to anyone, but it is crucial to highlight that a change is necessary for the White Sox to regain their standing in the league.
Colson Montgomery was regarded as their top prospect following 2022, yet a back injury combined with mechanical issues at the plate has brought two disappointing years, raising concerns about his potential. Edgar Quero, a catcher obtained at the 2023 deadline from the Angels, has now surpassed Montgomery as the top hitting prospect in the organization. Next in line is outfielder George Wolkow, who possesses possibly 80 raw power, but he struck out 40 percent of the time this year during his first full season in the minors. At just 18 years old, I might have been more optimistic in another organization; however, the White Sox have consistently struggled to develop players with this profile for a long time.
Sammy Zavala, another player acquired in the Dylan Cease trade alongside Thorpe and Iriarte, struggled significantly in High A at the age of 19 this year. Jacob Gonzalez, their first-round pick in 2023, spent much of the year in Double A, recording a .224/.284/.321 line. Despite being part of what appears to be the strongest first-round class since at least 2011, he may be considered a bust. Beyond Quero, there are very few hitters in the system whose trajectory appears to be upward; thus, while players like Wolkow and 2024 draftee Caleb Bonemer possess lofty potential, the White Sox currently lack the framework to develop such talent effectively.
This presents the most significant challenge facing general manager Chris Get.
From my perspective as an outsider observing Z and his team, it strongly suggests that he should consider external candidates to fill any outstanding positions, particularly in player development. It seems that the White Sox lack a comparable development structure for position players as they do for pitchers. Former employees have indicated that the team lags behind many other franchises in merging research and development with player development, especially regarding hitters.
While it’s promising to select high-potential talents like Bonemer in the draft, having a structured approach to nurture such players is essential for their success. The future of the White Sox’s offense—and, consequently, the overall success of the team—hinges on this.
(Top photos: Left: Colson Montgomery / Stacy Revere / Getty Images; Right: Noah Schultz: Danny Parker / Four Seam Images via Associated Press)
White Sox Future: Navigating the Path from Pitching Depth to Hitting Development
The Importance of Pitching Depth
The Chicago White Sox have long been recognized for their rich history and passionate fan base. As they look toward the future, one of the most crucial aspects to focus on is their pitching depth. A robust pitching staff forms the backbone of any successful baseball team, and the White Sox are no exception.
Current State of Pitching
The White Sox have made significant strides in building a formidable pitching roster. Here’s a breakdown of their current pitching situation:
- Starting Rotation: The White Sox boast a mix of young talent and experienced arms. Key players like Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease have shown promise in their roles, while the organization continues to develop prospects.
- Relief Pitching: The bullpen has its strengths, but consistency remains a concern. Developing reliable relief pitchers is essential for late-game success.
- Injury Management: The team must prioritize injury prevention and recovery programs to maintain the health of their pitchers.
Benefits of Strong Pitching Depth
Having a deep pitching roster can bring multiple benefits to the White Sox:
- Increased Flexibility: A diverse set of pitchers allows for better matchups against opposing teams.
- Depth for Injuries: A well-stocked minor league system ensures that injuries won’t devastate the roster.
- Enhanced Development: Young pitchers benefit from competing against quality hitters in the majors, accelerating their growth.
Hitting Development: A Priority for the Future
While pitching depth is vital, the White Sox cannot afford to overlook the importance of hitting development. The team needs a balanced approach to ensure that their offense can keep pace with their pitching staff.
Current Hitting Landscape
The White Sox have several promising hitters in their lineup, but consistency has been an issue. Here’s a look at the current hitting landscape:
| Player | Bats | 2023 Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Anderson | Right | .284 AVG, 10 HR, 35 RBI |
| Luis Robert Jr. | Right | .275 AVG, 15 HR, 45 RBI |
| Yoán Moncada | Right | .253 AVG, 12 HR, 40 RBI |
Challenges in Hitting Development
Despite having talented players, the White Sox face several challenges in developing their hitters:
- Plate Discipline: Many players struggle with strikeouts and pitch selection, which can hinder offensive production.
- Inconsistent Performance: A lack of consistency in hitting has plagued the organization, leading to streaky performances.
- Injury Proneness: Injuries to key offensive players can disrupt the lineup and impact overall team morale.
Strategies for Improvement
To navigate the future effectively, the White Sox must implement specific strategies focusing on both pitching and hitting. Here are some practical tips to enhance their overall development:
Enhancing Pitching Depth
1. **Invest in Analytics:** Utilize advanced metrics to assess pitcher performance and tailor training programs accordingly.
2. **Focus on Minor League Development:** Create a robust minor league system that prioritizes pitching development through specialized coaching.
3. **Injury Prevention Programs:** Implement comprehensive strength and conditioning programs focused on injury prevention.
Improving Hitting Development
1. **Emphasize Plate Discipline:** Organize training sessions that focus on pitch recognition and discipline techniques for hitters.
2. **Utilize Technology:** Incorporate video analysis and batting simulators to help players refine their swings and approach.
3. **Mental Conditioning Programs:** Foster mental strength through sports psychology to enhance focus and performance under pressure.
Case Studies: Successful Teams and Their Approaches
Looking at successful franchises can provide valuable insights into how the White Sox might navigate their future. Here are examples of teams that excelled in both pitching and hitting development:
| Team | Pitching Approach | Hitting Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rays | Innovative use of bullpen and opener strategies | Focus on dynamic, versatile hitters |
| Houston Astros | Heavy investment in pitching analytics and technology | Development of hitters through a strong minor league system |
First-Hand Experiences from Coaches
Coaches in the White Sox organization have shared their insights on developing talent:
- **Focus on Player-Centric Development:** “Every player is unique. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses allows us to build a tailored development plan.”
– **Building a Culture of Accountability:** “We encourage our players to hold themselves accountable, especially when it comes to their training and preparation.”
Looking Ahead: Drafting and Acquiring Talent
The White Sox must prioritize drafting and acquiring talent to ensure a successful future. Here are a few strategies they can employ:
- Scouting Focus: Prioritize scouting for both pitching and hitting talent at the collegiate and high school levels.
- International Markets: Expand efforts in international markets to find hidden gems in pitching and hitting.
- Trade Opportunities: Stay open to strategic trades that can strengthen the pitching staff and enhance offensive capabilities.
Conclusion
As the Chicago White Sox navigate their future, focusing on both pitching depth and hitting development will be crucial for long-term success. By learning from other teams, investing in player development, and fostering an environment focused on accountability, the White Sox can position themselves as contenders in the coming years. The pathway may be challenging, but with the right strategies and focus, the future looks bright for this storied franchise.
