The first of two lists featuring the FutureSox staff’s picks for the Chicago White Sox top 30, 16-30:
16. Ky Bush, LHP (Previous: 13, -3)
- Acquired from Los Angeles Angels in 2023
Acquired from the Angels in the Lucas Giolito & Reynaldo Lopez trade, Ky Bush became one of the more advanced starters in the system, and possibly the most advanced southpaw (prior to the Jake Eder acquisition). Bush is an imposing figure on the mound, checking in at 6’6”. Bush’s season was also delayed by injury, not seeing game action until June with the Angels Complex League team before heading to Double-A Rocket City. The 2023 season was a step back from his 2022 marks that saw him appear in the Futures Game, as the St. Mary’s product’s velocity has dipped since his draft year while walks issued increased (2.53 BB/9 in 2022 to 4.65 BB/9 in 2023).
Bush’s arsenal consists of a fastball that has been sitting in the low-90s while topping at 96-97, a low-80s slider that flashes as a plus pitch, and average to slightly above curveball/changeup offerings. The 24 year old’s ceiling as it currently stands would be as a back-end rotation option.
17. Jacob Burke, OF (Previous 16, -1)
- Drafted 11th Round in 2023
Despite the beginning of his 2023 being delayed by an injury, Jacob Burke was a force in the Single-A Kannapolis lineup when he made his season debut in May. After slashing .315/.416/.512 in 35 games with a 163 wRC+ and a 10.1 BB%, Burke was sent to High-A Winston-Salem, where he’d finish out the rest of the 2023 season. Notably, Burke also got on-base in 52 consecutive games between Kannapolis and Winston-Salem and also held his own against advanced competition in the Arizona Fall League.
Burke possesses all the necessary tools to stick in centerfield, as his defensive ability, range, and speed are above average. The recently turned 23 year old has a “leave it all on the field” type of persona and has delivered some exciting highlight reel plays already in his young career. Burke’s ability to hit advanced pitching will further dictate if his future is as a reserve outfielder or a role beyond that. He likely starts the 2024 season as the primary center fielder in Birmingham.
18. Wilfred Veras, OF, (Previous: 20, +2)
- Signed from Dominican Republic in 2019
One of the better offensive seasons in the farm system in 2023 came from a powerful 20-year-old in Wilfred Veras. He has some of the best raw strength in the farm system and has continued to hit at every level to this point. Veras impressed with 20 home runs in his first professional season spent primarily in Kannapolis in 2022 before having a solid showing at Project Birmingham to end that year. He played primarily the corner infield positions before shifting to the outfield in Winston-Salem this time last year.
Veras produced 11 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and a slash line of .277/.316/.438 in his 92 games with the Dash. He was then promoted to the Barons, who play in a traditionally pitching-friendly league, and elevated his game to another level. In 38 games in Birmingham, Veras posted a .309/346/.533 line which was good for a 126 wRC+ in a league with many players much older than him. He hit another 6 home runs and was a perfect 6-for-6 on stolen bases in those games as well. His ability to drive the ball from gap to gap was on display all season as shown by his 39 doubles.
The concern with his impressive offensive output is that the approach can often be rather aggressive. Even with such strong numbers in Double-A, he had a 27.2% strikeout rate and a walk rate of just 4.9%, which will need to improve. Veras will also need to improve upon his defense as it appears his best route in the future may be a corner outfield position. His arm is easily capable in right field but his lateral movement and reaction ability still needs to improve for him to be even an average defender.
19. Jordan Leasure, RHP (Previous: 23, +4)
- Acquired from Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023
The likely first pitcher to debut with the White Sox in 2024 has the upside of a potential closer as the highest-ranked relief pitcher prospect in the system. Jordan Leasure was acquired as the secondary piece in the deal that brought over Nick Nastrini as well in exchange for Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly. This deal looks excellent so far as both Leasure and Nastrini finished the season in Charlotte and will be part of the White Sox pitching core this year.
Featuring one of the best fastballs of any prospect in baseball that sits in the upper 90s with strong carry, Leasure can be dominant when locating well. He pairs the borderline 80-grade fastball with a slider that can be excellent when he’s able to command it low in the zone. He alos began to throw a curveball in the Arizona Fall League this year which could make him potentially dominant if he’s able to refine both breaking balls.
Leasure finished the 2023 season with a 3.91 ERA between Double-A Tulsa with the Dodgers and Charlotte after the trade. He struck out an astounding 79 batters in his 48.1 innings pitched on the season. He followed that up with 8.1 innings of dominance in the AFL where he allowed just one run on two hits and two walks while striking out 13 hitters. He appeared more than ready for big league action then and should have a shot to make the Opening Day roster.
FutureSox 20-25
20. Zach DeLoach, OF (New)
- Acquired from Seattle Mariners in 2024
The White Sox acquired Zach DeLoach in a February trade with the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-handed pitcher Greogory Santos. The former second round pick out of Texas A&M has been a steady performer in the minor leagues to start his professional career. The 6-1, 205 pounder is an average defender who profiles in an outfield corner but his below-average throwing arm could relegate him to left field ultimately. The 25-year-old is an average runner but his well rounded offensive game will be what carries him to the big leagues eventually.
The left-handed hitter has notoriously done damage on fastballs throughout his career. DeLoach is a patient hitter and he doesn’t chase a ton. His profile did change some in 2023 though. Playing for Tacoma in Triple-A, the outfielder clubbed 23 homers with 88 RBI while posting an .868 OPS and 111 wRC+. DeLoach has improved his home run rate and he’s smacked 51 homers in his minor league career but his strikeout rate has increased as well. He could be more of a platoon option in the majors but he posted a .906 OPS against lefties last year. DeLoach likely makes his big league debut in 2024.
21. Ryan Burrowes, SS (Previous: 24, +3)
- Signed from Panama in 2022
Shortstop Ryan Burrowes signed for $75,000 out of Panama during the 2022 international free agent period. The 6-2, 170 pounder earned praise from scouts during his first summer in the Dominican League for his mature approach and ability to stay at shortstop. During his professional debut, the infielder hit .266/.393/.392 with three homers and a 120 wRC+ in the Dominican Summer League. MLB Pipeline reported that other clubs were interested in acquiring Burrowes during trade talks.
The 19-year-old made his stateside debut this season and struggled some for the Arizona Complex League affiliate for the White Sox. He hit just .259/.330/.386 with an increased strikeout rate and decreased walk rate. Burrowes has shown an advanced ability to hit and he consistently barrels baseballs. His frame is projectable and he’s able to manage the zone and recognize pitches out of the hand. He should stay at shortstop in the long-term and he possesses 20 homer potential from the right side. Burrowes is a good runner who has shown some success swiping bases during his career. He likely begins the 2024 season in Kannapolis with the Cannon Ballers in Low-A.
22. Terrell Tatum, OF (Previous: 14, -8)
- Drafted in 16th Round in 2021
Terrell Tatum (24) had his best season in professional baseball in 2023, yet he drops eight spots in our top 30. Career-highs in doubles (23), triples (5), home runs (6), RBI (51), and steals (47). Sure, he got more at-bats than ever before too, after COVID-19 cost him and all minor leaguers the 2019 season, injuries cost him parts of his 2022 season and then the rest of ’22 was wiped out due to a PED suspension, but that just means that 2023 was the year we finally got to see what a full season of Tatum means. And what it means, is that the White Sox could have an interesting, useful player on their hands sometime in the near future.
Though Tatum is mostly looked at as a speedster — stealing 40+ bags a season will do that to a player — he’s also capable of driving a baseball for extra bases. He’s a spark plug in the order, who can work a count from the left side of the plate — though he still strikes out too much. Defensively, he’s still a LF or CF, with an arm lacking strength to play RF, but after seeing what guys like Michael Bourne, Jarrod Dyson and Billy Hamilton can bring to clubs in need of a speedster off the bench or on defense, there seems to be a path to the Majors for Tatum somewhere. Either way, he should be an interesting player to follow in 2024.
23. Prelander Berroa, RHP (New)
- Acquired from Seattle Mariners in 2024
Berroa is a 5-11, 170 pounder from the Dominican Republic who throws really hard. Originally signed by the Minnesota Twins for $200K back in 2016, he’s been traded multiple times now in his young career. The righty broke out with the Mariners last season and moved to a relief role as well. In 65.1 innings in Double-A, Berroa posted a 2.89 ERA, 2.88 FIP and struck out 101 with 39 walks. He made his big league debut and threw 1.2 innings with Seattle as well. He should have plenty of opportunities to pitch in Chicago in 2024.
The Dominican possesses a strong and sturdy frame with a huge right arm. The stuff includes a plus-plus fastball that reaches 100 mph and shows late life. The pitch mix includes a plus-plus slider as well but control issues have always been prevalent. Berroa employs a high-effort delivery and has struggled to repeat it in the past. The 23-year-old profiles in a high-leverage relief role and it could be soon.
24. Javier Mogollon, 2B (Previous: New)
- Signed from Venezuela in 2023
Mogollon is the biggest breakout performer from the White Sox’s 2023 international class. The 5-8, 160 pounder was signed for $75K out of Venezuela last year and he was excellent in his professional debut. The 18-year-old hit .315/.417/.582 in 165 at-bats in the Dominican Summer League. The infielder posted a 156 wRC+ and led the league with ten homers over the course of his 47 games played. Mogollon will make his stateside debut in 2024 and likely plays in the Arizona Complex League to start.
The Venezuelan is a quick-twitch athlete with a muscular build. He has shown above-average raw power and displayed big time exit velocity numbers with plenty of hard contact to the pull side. Mogollon could moonlight at shortstop and remain at the position but likely profiles at second base long-term. He’s an average defender and plus runner who projects to be a stolen base threat in the future as well. Mogollon will be one of the most exciting prospects in the lower levels of the White Sox’s system.
25. Sean Burke, RHP (Previous: 18, -7)
- Drafted in 3rd round in 2021
After reaching Triple-A at the end of just his first professional season, Sean Burke was on track to reach Chicago in 2023. He underwent Tommy John Surgery his last year of high school which allowed him to log a lot of innings in his two years of college baseball before being drafted by the Sox in the 3rd round of the 2021 draft. Burke registered 137 strikeouts across 108 innings during his breakout 2022 season but struggled with command at times.
Burke’s fastball is his most conistent offering as it sits in the mid 90s and features strong break. He works in both a curveball and slider but the curve has been more realiable so far in his career. The development of his changeup could help disversify his offerings, but the bigger focal point is improved command.
Unfortunately, 2023 did not treat Burke kindly as he dealt with a variety of injuries and spend time on the development list before being shut down for the season late in July. In just 36.2 innings, he registered a 7.61 ERA with walk rate of 16.3% and struggled to find his command. He was clearly not healthy much of the season and will spend this coming season trying to establish himself among the pitching ranks of the organization once again. With a healthy start to the year, Burke could debut in Chicago late in the season if his command improves and he finds more consistency.
FutureSox 26-30
26. Eduardo Herrera, 3B (New)
- Signed from Venezuela in 2024
Herrera is the most significant signing from the White Sox’s current international class. The Venezuelan teenager has inked a deal for $1.8 million and he’ll make his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. The 6-3, 180 pounder has been heralded for his raw power and loose, easy swing. The 17-year-old makes an impact on the baseball from right-center to the pull side. The White Sox and their international scouts were impressed with Herrera’s success in the U-18 World Cup Qualifier as a 15-year-old.
Herrera has a plus arm and there’s some risk about an eventual move to first base but he’ll begin his career at third base, making his professional debut in 2024. The bat is the carrying tool and he could produce 30 home run power potentially. His bonus is the largest that the club has given to a teenager to since Micker Adolfo and he could move up their organizational prospect hierarchy in his first season.
27. Juan Carela, RHP (Previous: 26, -1)
- Acquired from New York Yankees in 2023
21-year-old pitcher Juan Carela was acquired by the White Sox at the 2023 trade deadline for relief pitcher Keynan Middleton. The 6’3” 185 lb righty throws a mid-90s fastball, a sinker that can also touch the mid-90s, two different variations of a slider in the low to mid-80s, and a changeup that’s flashed average. Carela has operated as a starter in both organizations, making 17 appearances (16 starts) for High-A Hudson Valley in 2023 with a 31.1 K%, 9.1 BB%, 1.16 WHIP, and a 3.67 ERA. Since being acquired, Carela has made four starts in Winston-Salem and while his strike out numbers have dipped (11.77 K/9 to 6.43 K/9) he’s improved upon issuing free passes (3.46 BB/9 to 3.00 BB/9). Carela is Rule 5 eligible this off-season.
28. Mason Adams, RHP (Previous: 30, +2)
- Drafted in the 13th Round in 2022
The White Sox selected Mason Adams in the 13th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Jacksonville State. It’s been a popular destination in area scout Warren Hughes’ geographic region but the 23-year-old right-hander has distanced himself from other recent picks from the school. The 6-0, 200 pounder was on the Baseball America top 500 during the pre-draft process but there were some questions related to his ability to start long-term. Adams served in a piggy back role with Noah Schultz for the first part of the season in Low-A but he become a full-time starter himself soon enough.
He began the season in Kannapolis, where he pitched to a 3.36 ERA with 94 strikeouts and just 18 walks across 77.2 innings (17 appearances, 7 starts). He made three starts with each Winston-Salem and Birmingham where he continued to show promise and thrust himself onto the top 30 list. He threw 18 innings at High-A, where he allowed just five earned runs and struck out 18 batters. In his final three starts of the year in Birmingham, Adams pitched 13.1 innings while allowing just four earned runs but he did walk eight hitters.
The profile is more floor than ceiling but Adams proved he could handle the lower levels in just his first full professional season. The 24-year-old features a versatile pitch mix with multiple effective offerings and has shown the ability to pitch in various scenarios. He should have a shot to open the season in Birmingham and could move quickly if he pitches like he did last season.
29. Mathias LaCombe, RHP (New)
- Drafted in the 12th Round in 2023
Mathias LaCombe has a goal to become the first french born player to pitch in the majors. The White Sox selected the righty in the 12th round of the 2023 draft and paid him an overslot bonus of $450K; which is closer to what is earned by a seventh round selection. The 6-2, 185 pounder pitched at Cochise Community College in Arizona and is the latest find by legendary area scout John Kazanas. The 21-year-old posted a 1.74 ERA with 97 strikeouts and 14 walks in 67.1 innings last year.
LaCombe’s fastball has started to hit 96 mph pretty consistently during the club’s fall instructional league. Scouts were impressed and he has landed on similar lists to this one this off-season. He was noted to have a plus sinker that sits in the 90-92 mph range and his overall stuff has played up in a relief role. The fastball possesses run and plus movement and he’s shown a mid 80’s slider in addition to a low 80’s split changeup as well. Added strength will be a focus for the right hander and his strength should improve accordingly. LaCombe likely begins the season in rookie ball with the Arizona Complex League squad.
30. Aldrín Batista, RHP (New)
- Acquired from Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023
Batista is the prize of the early August trade that the White Sox made with the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for $1 million in international bonus pool space. The 20-year-old Dominican righty was leading the Arizona Complex League in strikeouts at the time of the deal after punching out 54 hitters in 39 innings. He was named ACL pitcher of the month for July. He had posted a 3.46 ERA with just 15 walks allowed as well.
The 6-2, 185 pounder also posted a 1.55 ERA during his debut pitching in the DSL in 2022 over the course of 40.2 innings. Baseball America called him “an up arrow prospect” after the trade and he could move into the top 30 of this system relatively soon. The White Sox immediately sent Batista to Kannapolis where he posted a 1.80 ERA with 18 strikeouts and five walks in 20 innings. He features a mid 90’s sinker that has touched 97 mph with a low 80’s slider and an inconsistent changeup as well. He likely participates in fall instructs soon.