Chicago White Sox 2026 Mid-season Top 30 Prospect List

The FutureSox 2026 Pre-season Chicago White Sox top 30 prospect list was derived from the top 30 lists compiled and created by our staff. For this version, six writers contributed to the process. Each prospect is assigned a number from 1-30 based on their spot on each individual top 30 and then added up to come to the ranking they received on the collective list. Noah Schultz ranked as the #1 prospect in the system on the pre-season list. We have followed the same process for the mid-season list below. There are some new prospects on this version and the club just added talent via the MLB Draft as well.

Players who have exceeded rookie status will not be present on this list. 50 innings pitched, 130 at-bats or 45 days on an active, big league roster is the exclusionary criteria for rookie status in Major League Baseball. Left-handed pitcher Noah Schultz (#1 in pre-season), outfielder Braden Montgomery (#3 in pre-season) and outfielder Sam Antonacci (#9 in pre-season) have all exceeded rookie status and won’t be ranked on this iteration of the exercise. Gabe Davis, Mason Adams and Boston Smith were going to rank on this list before being traded at the trade deadline as well.

1. Roch Cholowsky, SS, (New)

• Drafted 1st round (#1 overall) in 2026

The White Sox selected Roch Cholowsky out of UCLA with the #1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft. He received the largest draft bonus ever ($10.35 million) and immediately became a top five overall prospect in the sport at Baseball America. The 6-2, 200 pounder was seen by many as the best college shortstop prospect since Troy Tulowitzki back in 2005. The organization had interest in Cholowsky dating back to the 2023 draft; when he was a top 50 prospect and three star quarterback out of Hamilton High School in Arizona.

The 21-year-old was the College Player of the Year in 2025 as a sophomore and he hit .329/.448/.636 with 52 homers and 41 doubles in his college career. Cholowsky walks more than he strikes out and he served as the starting shortstop for Team USA as well. Hitting right-handed, the shortstop shows contact skills with an advanced approach and plus power. The infielder is playing shortstop for the Winston-Salem Dash in his first season.

Cholowsky is a plus shortstop that displays arm strength, range and instincts that could lead to being a Gold Glove contender perennially. The defense provides a high floor future big leaguer but there’s a ceiling of a potential MVP candidate and multi-time All Star. The White Sox believe that the offensive ceiling is immense and can be maximized in the club’s hitting development system with a few tweaks. Cholowsky is just an average runner but he’s a leader with plus-plus makeup that should get to the majors in an expedited fashion. Cholowsky could be the team captain in Chicago sometime in the not-too-distant future.

2. Caleb Bonemer, SS, (No Change)

• Drafted 2nd round (43rd overall) in 2024

Bonemer is a top 20 prospect in baseball at MLB Pipeline and he’s in the top 50 for most publications. The 20-year-old will hit well over 30 home runs this year after winning Carolina League MVP in his first season. The 6-1, 195 pounder is hitting .262/.374/.517 with a 135 wRC+ in Double-A with the Birmingham Barons. The infielder posted a 138 wRC+ with 18 homers in High-A with the Winston-Salem Dash to begin the 2026 campaign.

The White Sox selected the former Michigan prep showcase standout in the second round of the 2024 draft and he signed for an over-slot bonus of $3 million. It looks like a bargain so far and while he was very divisive as a cold weather draft prospect, the White Sox were extremely comfortable betting on him as a Midwest talent who played for the club’s Area Codes Team.

Bonemer is a right-handed hitter with a quiet setup in the box and almost no pre-pitch movement. It’s an unorthodox swing but he displays consistent hard contact with plus power to the pull side and advanced pitch recognition skills. There are some defensive questions and while a future at shortstop is unlikely, third base and even the outfield could be options. An Arizona Fall League showcase seems possible and a 2027 arrival in the majors appears more likely at this point.

3. Billy Carlson, SS, (Previous: 7; +4)

• Drafted 1st round (10th overall) in 2025

The White Sox took Billy Carlson out of Corona High School in California with their first round pick in the 2025 draft. The 6-1, 185 pounder is a top 50-75 prospect in baseball for multiple publications. The 19-year-old is a lean, athletic shortstop who is a double-plus defender at the position. He’s one of the best shortstop defenders in the minors and displays actions, footwork and instincts.

Carlson has missed some time with a fractured thumb but he’s back playing with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in Low-A for his first full professional season. He has hit .260/.390/.343 with a 107 wRC+ and no homers on the year. He has walked at a 16% clip while striking out 23% of the time.

The White Sox believe that Carlson can add strength to his wiry frame and that it will lead to 20 homer power in the future. The right-handed hitter possesses bat speed and a good approach with plenty of hard hit balls. Carlson is just an average runner but he’s a plus-plus defender at a premium position so he’ll remain a top prospect if the offensive game improves at all. He’ll likely finish the season where he is and start the 2027 campaign in High-A as a 20-year-old.

4. Tanner McDougal, RHP, (Previous: 5; +1)

• Drafted 5th round in 2021

Tanner McDougal has been a fringe top 100 prospect at multiple publications, and he made the pre-season list at Baseball America. The 23-year-old was on track for a big league promotion as a starter prior to missing time with a flexor strain this summer. The White Sox recalled McDougal on August 8 after shifting him to a relief role to finish the 2026 campaign. McDougal profiles as a mid-rotation starter and he’ll be given that opportunity in spring training for 2027.

The White Sox took the 6-5, 185-pounder in the fifth round of the 2021 draft out of Silverado High School in Nevada. He inked for $850K after a standout performance at the first draft combine. Some struggles and Tommy John surgery hurt McDougal’s stock prior to a breakout 2025 season. He made 28 starts last year while posting a 3.26 ERA with 136 strikeouts and 49 walks in 113.1 innings. He’s thrown just over 30 innings this year with an ERA just over 3 for the Knights.

McDougal is unique because he possesses elite spin rates and premium velocity, but the upper 90’s fastball is hittable with downhill plane if it’s not commanded consistently. There’s a high spin curveball in the arsenal as well, and it’s also an above-average pitch. The right-hander’s best secondary offering is a plus slider with huge depth. The Las Vegas native is the top right-handed pitcher in the system, and he’s currently in the Chicago bullpen mix with the White Sox.

5. Hagen Smith, LHP, (Previous: 4; -1)

• Drafted 1st round (5th overall) in 2024

Smith was given the largest draft bonus in franchise history by the White Sox, and $8 million broke the bonus slot record for a left-handed pitcher as well, with the 5th overall pick in 2024. The 22-year-old entered last season as one of the top lefty pitching prospects in the sport, but he struggled some in his first full professional season. Smith’s stuff and control regressed during a hectic year in which he accumulated 75.2 innings before finishing strong in the Arizona Fall League.

The 6-3, 255 pounder made 14 starts in Triple-A with the Knights this year prior to missing time once again with a shoulder issue. Smith missed some time in 2025 as well. In nearly 60 innings, the southpaw has accumulated 87 strikeouts but the walk rate is too high with 40 on the season. The lefty has shifted to a relief role to end the year with the goal of contributing to the White Sox in Chicago down the stretch. Similarly to McDougal, Smith was also called up and will enter spring training as a starting option in 2027.

Smith deploys a plus fastball with carry and deception that usually sits in the 93-96 mph range but it’s touched 99 in the past. He also uses a double plus wipe out sweeping slider. The development of a third pitch is ongoing with a cutter or changeup from a flat approach angle. The southpaw has a quick arm with a low slot and crossfire delivery that has drawn comparisons to Carlos Rodon.

6. Cole Prosek, 2B, (New)

• Drafted 2nd round (41st overall) in 2026

The White Sox really believe in the hitter that Cole Prosek can become. The franchise paid him $3.2 million which is equivalent to the 30th overall player in the draft. Club decision makers believe that Prosek is a special hitter and future difference maker in the middle of a lineup. The Magnolia Heights, Mississippi product ranked as the #31 overall prospect in the class for Just Baseball and higher for some other outlets.

The 6-1, 195 pounder hit 18 homers this spring and was named Mississippi High School Player of the Year. The White Sox were attracted to Prosek’s success everywhere he attended on the showcase circuit and he won MVP honors at the Perfect Game All American Classic. He likely finishes this season playing in the Arizona Bridge League but should debut in Low-A with the Cannon Ballers in 2027.

Prosek is 19 years old with a polished offensive game. The left-handed hitter was seen as one of the best in the prep class and he shows a simple and relaxed swing. He employs a moderate leg kick without much wasted movement and strong hands. There’s power to all fields but it’s prodigious to the pull side. As a below-average runner, the White Sox will try Prosek at second base initially with third base as an option as well.

7. Jaden Fauske, OF, (Previous: 8; +1)

• Drafted 2nd round (44th overall) in 2025

The White Sox signed Fauske for $3 million after selecting him in the second round of the 2025 draft. The 19-year-old starred at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois and was also a member of the club’s Area Codes Team as an amateur. Fauske immediately impressed evaluators and team personnel after reporting to Arizona in his draft year and he began the transition to the outfield.

Fauske is the primary center fielder for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in Low-A and he’s hit .255/.384/.375 in his first professional season. The left-handed hitter has posted a 110 wRC+ with four homers in over 400 plate appearances. He has walked at a 16% clip and struck out 24% of the time so far. Fauske has also stolen 38 bases on the year.

Adding size and strength is a priority for Fauske and the organization’s plan is well underway. The outfielder possesses a smooth, left-handed swing and makes lots of contact. It’s a hit over power profile now but the organization believes that he could hit 20 or more homers annually at his peak and he already has his disciplined approach on display.

8. Landon Thome, SS, (New)

• Drafted Comp Round A (34th overall) in 2026

The 6-0, 185 pounder was a member of the White Sox’s Area Codes Team and he also was named Illinois High School Player of the Year after starring at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. The White Sox were drawn to Thome’s bloodlines, polish and offensive production and they know him very well.

The White Sox are confident that Landon Thome will reach his ceiling due to his family lineage in addition to his baseball IQ and quality makeup. Just Baseball ranked the 18-year-old as the #62 overall player in the 2026 draft class and he was ranked higher elsewhere. He’ll play in the Arizona Bridge League to finish the season before fall instructs and likely reports to Low-A to begin 2027.

Thome likely doesn’t stay at shortstop but he should remain on the dirt long-term. One of the best prep hitters in the draft class, he uses the lower half in his swing with a simple operation from the left side with good bat speed and pull side power. The local product makes hard contact with above-average pitch recognition and bat-to-ball skills. He doesn’t chase often and the White Sox believe that he can be an impact player offensively.

9. David Sandlin, RHP, (Previous: 10; +1)

• Acquired from Boston Red Sox in 2026

The White Sox’s pro scouting contingent was very familiar with Sandlin as he was originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 11th round of the 2022 draft out of Oklahoma. He was acquired in a trade before the 2026 season along with reliever Jordan Hicks. He has an injury history and was hobbled once again throughout the spring.

The 6-4, 215 pounder made his big league debut with the White Sox this season and he’s posted a 6.93 ERA in 24.2 innings with three starts. His expected stats look better than the actual ones however. The 25-year-old struck out 24 in his time in the majors so far. He’s currently in the starting rotation with the Charlotte Knights in Triple-A and serving as insurance to the big league team.

The righty has posted a 2.37 ERA in 38 innings for the Knights with 33 strikeouts and 20 walks. He shows a 95-97 mph fastball that touches triple digits at times. Sandlin also throws a sweepy slider and cutter. There is some reliever risk here in addition to the durability concerns and he often gets hit harder and more often than he should with the raw stuff he possesses.

10. Joey Volchko, RHP, (New)

• Drafted 3rd round in 2026

Joey Volchko posted a 5.89 ERA in two years at Stanford before transferring to Georgia. After posting a 3.68 ERA with 119 strikeouts and 46 walks for the Bulldogs with a 15 strikeout game in the College World Series, the White Sox paid the righty $1.2 million at the top of the third round. Volchko ranked #52 overall for Just Baseball in the draft class.

The 6-4, 225 pounder induces lots of ground balls with a power arsenal. Volchko is athletic with physical projection remaining and the organization was excited about some of the developmental changes that were implemented by Wes Johnson at Georgia. The 21-year-old won’t throw for an affiliate this year but he likely starts the 2027 season in one of the A ball rotations.

Volchko shows a cut fastball up to 99 mph and he’s touched triple digits and he also has a low 90’s slider with shape and tilt on display. There’s a mid 80’s curveball with impressive spin in the arsenal as well. Whether Volchko ends up in a future rotation will likely depend on how much the organization can develop the changeup but they’ve done a good job with other supinators in this regard. There are some command issues and the fastball lacks life at times but there’s a high-leverage relief possibility here as well.

11. William Bergolla Jr., SS, (No Change)

• Acquired from Philadelphia Phillies in 2024

Acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies for left-handed reliever Tanner Banks at the 2024 trade deadline, the 21-year-old reached Triple-A this spring and opened the season by hitting .457/.525/.571 with four doubles and only four strikeouts in 43 plate appearances. That start ended April 9 when Bergolla collided with Sam Antonacci while making a catch in shallow left field. He initially received a shin bruise diagnosis and missed more than three months. Bergolla began a rehab assignment with the ACL White Sox on July 22 but suffered a right fibular stress fracture during his first game back.

Bergolla’s carrying tool is his elite bat-to-ball ability. He led the minors with a 5% strikeout rate in 2025 and ranked 2nd with a 3% swinging-strike rate. The left-handed hitter also stole 40 bases in 51 attempts while handling shortstop for Double-A Birmingham. His compact swing produces little over-the-fence power and he has hit only one professional home run. Bergolla can handle both middle-infield positions and could reach Chicago once healthy. His brief Triple-A run showed that the contact-first approach can hold up against advanced pitching.

12. George Wolkow, OF, (Previous: 14; +2)

• Drafted 7th round in 2023

Still one of the hardest players in the system to project, Wolkow moved up two spots while spending his age-20 season with Winston-Salem. He has hit .231/.316/.429 with 16 home runs and 21 doubles through 100 games in High-A. Wolkow endured a rough start before finding several extended stretches of production and earned South Atlantic League Player of the Week honors in Week 8. The strikeouts remain the main concern, though his rate has stayed near 30% despite the move to a more advanced level. That preserves much of the progress he made after cutting it from 40% in 2024 to 30% last season.

The 6-foot-7, 239-pound left-handed hitter still owns the best raw power in the organization. His size creates natural length in the swing and leaves him vulnerable to secondary pitches when his decisions slip. Wolkow can punish mistakes as well as anyone in the system when he gets the barrel into the zone on time. He moves well once underway and has stolen 12 bases this season. Right field remains his most likely defensive home because his arm fits the position. The range of outcomes remains wide, but holding his strikeout gains against better pitching has kept the middle-of-the-order ceiling intact.

13. Christian Oppor, LHP, (Previous: 6; -7)

• Drafted 5th round in 2024

One of the biggest fallers on the list entered the season as a potential top-100 breakout candidate. Oppor reached Double-A after posting a 3.08 ERA with 116 strikeouts over 87.2 innings across both A-ball levels in 2025. His command unraveled in Birmingham, where he walked 36 batters and hit six more through his first 24.2 innings. The White Sox removed him from the rotation and sent him to Arizona in late May. The reset did not produce an immediate correction, as Oppor issued 28 walks over 11 innings in the ACL. He returned to Winston-Salem on July 22 but has continued to struggle finding the strike zone.

The underlying stuff still explains why Oppor remains in the middle of the list. His fastball reached 100.6 mph last season and the sweeping slider can miss bats when he gets ahead. The changeup has also shown enough promise to give him another option against right-handed hitters. The arsenal has not played consistently without strikes. Oppor’s athleticism and deceptive release once supported considerable starter upside, but this season has added more relief risk. Adrián Morejón is a reasonable comparison as another power left-hander with starter traits whose stuff may fit best in shorter outings. Oppor must regain a repeatable release point before the White Sox can reconsider him for a rotation role.

14. Alex Weingartner, OF, (New)

• Drafted 6th round in 2026

The White Sox believe that Alex Weingartner is a special athlete who profiles as a center fielder with power potential. The 6-2, 200 pounder signed for $1.4 million in the 6th round; equivalent to a third round selection. The 18-year-old from St. Augustine Prep in New Jersey ranked as the #87 overall player in the draft class for Just Baseball. He put up a stellar combine performance and also broke the 60-yard dash record (6.24 seconds) at Super 60 last summer.

Weingartner is a twitchy athlete with strength on his lean frame. He profiles in center field where his previous pitching track record allows him to record triple digit throws from the outfield in addition to double plus speed and good range. At the dish, he shows power and makes good swing decisions with some questions about the overall hit tool. He’s an aggressive baserunner as well. He’ll be in Arizona Bridge League games and likely stays in Arizona in 2027.

15. Javier Mogollon, 2B, (Previous: 12; -3)

• Signed out of Venezuela in 2023

Mogollon’s biggest obstacle has been staying on the field. A recurring hamstring issue limited him to 51 games with Kannapolis in 2025 before another leg injury interrupted an encouraging return to the level this summer. He was hitting .257/.357/.442 with seven home runs and 22 stolen bases when he went on the injured list in June. The 20-year-old missed more than a month before returning on July 18 and was promoted to Winston-Salem 10 days later. He has played well whenever healthy and is hitting .259 with ten home runs and 25 stolen bases across both A-ball levels this season.

The 5-foot-8, 160-pound infielder generates uncommon power for his size with a forceful right-handed swing. That effort can leave him vulnerable against better pitching, and his strikeout rate climbed to 31% after dropping considerably last season. Mogollon also creates value on the bases and has converted 23 of 28 stolen-base attempts this year. Second base remains his most likely long-term position, though the offensive upside gives him a chance to develop into more than a utility option. The promotion to High-A gives Mogollon a stronger test, but he first needs to stay on the field consistently.

16. Kyle Lodise, SS, (Previous: 15; -1)

• Drafted 3rd round in 2025

Lodise fell one spot after an uneven first full season that began with an aggressive assignment to Winston-Salem. The 22-year-old has hit .212/.370/.404 with 14 home runs and 33 stolen bases through 79 games. His batting average lagged early, but a selective approach kept his on-base percentage near .400 through the opening month. The results remained inconsistent into July before Lodise found a better rhythm after the break. He homered four times in his first seven games back, including a two-homer performance on July 26, and has started to resemble the hitter the White Sox drafted in the third round.

The right-handed hitter broke out at Georgia Tech by batting .329/.429/.667 with 16 home runs in 2025. His strike-zone judgment has kept him productive despite the uneven results, though the patient approach can become passive and limit how often he attacks pitches he can drive. Lodise has reliable hands at shortstop and enough athleticism to move around the infield if the arm eventually pushes him off the position. The recent power surge is encouraging, but sustaining it against more advanced pitching will determine whether he develops into a regular or settles into a utility role.

17. Kyle Casteel, RHP, (New)

• Drafted 11th round in 2026

The White Sox paid Kyle Casteel $1.25 million in the 11th round of the 2026 draft and saw him as the equivalent to a third round talent. The 18-year-old really took off for Butler High School in Pennsylvania this spring. He ranked at #239 overall for Just Baseball and higher for different publications. The organization is really high on the 6-4, 205 pounder.

Casteel was drafted due to his size, projection and improved pitchability. He displays athleticism with premium extension and there’s lots of clay to mold here. He throws his fastball in the mid 90’s with carry, ride and more velocity to come. The righty has improved his command and also shows a mid 70’s slider with three quarter shape, depth and bite. He likely begins the 2027 season in the Arizona Complex League.

18. Colby Shelton, 2B, (Previous: 29; +11)

• Drafted 6th round in 2025

Shelton rebounded from a difficult professional debut with one of the better first halves in the system. He hit .339/.464/.661 with seven home runs and a 185 wRC+ for Winston-Salem after batting just .141 in a brief Low-A stint last summer. The White Sox promoted him to Birmingham on May 12, where he struggled through his first several weeks against Double-A pitching. Shelton began to adjust in July and capped the month with a three-homer game on July 28. He has hit .255/.347/.503 with 19 home runs across both levels this season.

The left-handed hitter generates most of his damage to the pull side with a strong and compact swing. Advanced pitching has tested his ability to recognize secondary offerings, and the walk rate has declined since his promotion. Shelton has moved between second base, third base and shortstop, though one of the first two positions is the more likely long-term fit. His defensive home remains unsettled, placing more pressure on the bat. The power and recent adjustment in Birmingham explain his 11-spot rise.

19. Sebastian Romero, OF, (New)

• Signed out of Venezuela in 2026

Romero made an immediate impression after signing for $1.5 million during the 2026 international period. He hit .285/.392/.549 with nine home runs and 41 RBI in 44 games for the DSL White Sox. Seven of those homers came during a dominant June, and the 17-year-old was selected for the Dominican Summer League All-Star Game. He spent most of the season batting in the middle of the order while serving as the club’s primary center fielder.

Romero has a fluid left-handed swing and already produces more game power than anticipated from his lean frame. There is room to add strength at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, which could help him reach the 15-to-20 homer projections attached to him as an amateur. His strikeout rate increased as the season progressed, providing an area to monitor when he faces more advanced pitching. Romero runs well enough to remain in center field and has the arm for right field if he eventually moves to a corner. His debut established him as one of the most promising position players from the organization’s recent international classes.

20. Mathias LaCombe, RHP, (Previous: 16; -4)

• Drafted 12th round in 2023

The French right-hander is trying to become the first player developed in his home country to reach the majors. LaCombe moved to the bullpen after shoulder soreness delayed the start of his season, allowing him to begin competing without a lengthy buildup as a starter. The 24-year-old began in the ACL in May before joining Winston-Salem and posting a 2.88 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 25 innings. He recorded seven strikeouts in 2.1 innings while facing nine batters during one late-June appearance and earned a promotion to Birmingham in July. His first Double-A outings have been uneven, but the relief role has accelerated a professional career repeatedly interrupted by shoulder and lat issues.

LaCombe attacks from a low three-quarters slot and has leaned more heavily on elevated four-seamers this season. The fastball sits in the mid-90s and has reached the upper 90s, while his sweeping slider has become another reliable bat-missing pitch. He also throws a sinker, cutter and splitter, though the splitter remains the most difficult for him to command. Shorter outings allow LaCombe to attack without conserving his arsenal. Relief now appears to be his most direct route to the majors. Staying healthy remains the largest question as he adjusts to more advanced hitters.

21. Blake Larson, LHP, (Previous: 18; -3)

• Drafted 2nd Round Comp B in 2024

Larson finally made his professional debut in June, nearly two years after the White Sox selected him with the 68th overall pick. Tommy John surgery erased his entire 2025 season and delayed the start of his development. The 20-year-old opened his career with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts for the ACL White Sox. He made only three starts before a lat strain ended his season and resulted in another placement on the 60-day injured list. Larson recorded nine strikeouts in 4.2 innings but has now thrown only 4.2 professional innings since being drafted.

The upside remains tied to a fastball that sat 92-94 mph and reached 96 before surgery. His low-80s slider can produce elite spin and shows sharp two-plane depth when executed properly. Larson releases the ball from an unusually low slot, creating deception and a difficult angle for hitters. That delivery has also contributed to inconsistent strike-throwing and some concern that he eventually moves to the bullpen. Developing a reliable changeup remains another priority. Larson still possesses significant upside, but consecutive injury-marred seasons have slowed his path considerably.

22. Eric Segura, RHP, (New)

• Drafted 4th round in 2026

Eric Segura posted a 2.22 ERA with 82 strikeouts and 27 walks in 73 innings for Oregon State this spring. The White Sox took the 6-2, 205 pound righty in the 4th round and they believe he’s a seam-effects guy with a plus sinker. The 21-year-old was seen as a data darling that interested lots of model clubs and he was ranked as the #171 overall player in the draft class for Just Baseball. Segura throws his fastball in the 93-97 mph range with a four pitch mix. He likely begins the 2027 season in the rotation at Kannapolis.

23. Cal Scolari, RHP, (New)

• Drafted 5th round in 2026

The White Sox used the second pick of the 5th round on Oregon’s Cal Scolari this past July and he had a nice season after transferring from San Diego. The 22-year-old posted a 3.32 ERA with 85 strikeouts and 35 walks in 57 innings this spring. The 6-4, 220 pound righty has added physicality with a fastball up to 98 and two bat missing breaking balls. The #207 overall prospect in the draft class at Baseball America has had a Tommy John surgery already and he likely pitches in one of the A ball rotations in 2027.

24. Anthony DePino, 1B, (New)

• Drafted 7th round in 2025

DePino forced his way into Double-A only one month into his first full professional season. The White Sox selected him in the seventh round of the 2025 draft after he set numerous offensive records at Rhode Island. He opened this season with Winston-Salem before joining Birmingham alongside Colby Shelton on May 12. DePino has remained productive against the more advanced competition and has hit .256/.362/.464 with 20 home runs and 67 RBI across both levels.

The 5-foot-11, 218-pound right-handed hitter produces hard contact through a compact and powerful swing. He does his best work when pulling pitches in the air, though the aggressive approach can lead to strikeouts when he expands the zone. DePino has continued drawing enough walks to maintain a strong on-base percentage. Most of his defensive work has come at first base, where the offensive expectations are higher for a right-handed hitter. That limits his margin for error, but the power and plate discipline give him a chance to overcome the positional concerns.

25. Matthew Boughton, 2B, (Previous: 27; +2)

• Drafted 11th round in 2025

A difficult May did not derail Boughton’s first full-season assignment with Kannapolis. The 20-year-old hit .174/.198/.233 during the month before responding with a .297/.385/.473 line in June. A six-game run with 14 hits earned him Carolina League Player of the Week honors. Boughton has hit .239/.315/.344 with four home runs and 24 stolen bases overall. The results remain uneven, but he has been more productive since the start of June.

Boughton has spent most of the season at second base while also seeing time at shortstop and third. His speed gives him another way to contribute while the bat develops. He still needs to add strength, and the power against right-handed pitching has been limited. The defensive versatility gives him utility value if the offense does not take another step.

26. Pierce George, RHP, (New)

• Drafted 13th round in 2024

Few pitchers in the system have climbed faster than George, who opened the year with Kannapolis and reached Birmingham by late June. The 23-year-old has posted a 4.47 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 21 walks over 46.1 innings across three levels after issuing 45 walks in 47.2 innings last season. That improved strike-throwing has allowed his power arsenal to play and pushed him to No. 16 at Baseball America and No. 17 at MLB Pipeline. His fastball sits 97-99 mph and has reached 102, while a low-90s cutter gives him a pitch he can land in the zone. George also uses a low-80s breaking ball to miss bats. The results have been uneven since reaching Double-A, but the progress is significant for a pitcher who barely worked in college because of control issues. Continued strike-throwing could make the 2024 13th-round pick a high-leverage reliever.

27. Ely Brown, OF, (Previous: 24; -3)

• Drafted 12th round in 2025

Moving from No. 24 to No. 27 reflects the talent added around Brown more than any decline in his performance. The 2025 12th-round pick skipped Low-A and has hit .270/.409/.362 with a 114 wRC+ in 89 games for Winston-Salem. His 17.5% walk rate has helped him maintain a strong on-base percentage while continuing to show the advanced zone control that stood out after the draft. Brown has also stolen 16 bases and remained in center field. He continues to look like one of the better late-round finds in the system.

28. Landon Hodge, C, (Previous: 19; -9)

• Drafted 4th round in 2025

Hodge’s first professional season was more encouraging at the end than the final numbers suggest. The 19-year-old hit .223/.380/.311 with one home run in 39 games for the ACL White Sox. He walked 22 times in 130 plate appearances, though 45 strikeouts limited his overall production. He closed July by hitting .333/.471/.519, marking his first sustained offensive progress as a professional.

The White Sox signed Hodge for an over-slot $1.1 million after selecting him in the fourth round last summer. He is an athletic left-handed hitter with a compact swing and an approach geared toward the gaps. Contact against quality fastballs remains a concern, and he will need to add strength before more power emerges. Hodge has the arm and mobility to remain behind the plate as his receiving develops. Catchers often require a longer development timeline, so the defensive foundation and improved finish give the organization reasons to remain patient.

29. Jose Mendoza, C, (Previous: 26; -3)

• Signed out of Venezuela in 2025

One of the youngest players on the list, Mendoza finished his first stateside season with more power than his final slash line suggests. The 18-year-old hit .204/.278/.431 in 45 games for the ACL White Sox, but nine of his 28 hits left the yard. He announced his arrival with a grand slam in his first game and later homered three times during a five-game stretch in June. The power jump was significant after he hit only one homer in the Dominican Summer League last year. His 50 strikeouts in 151 plate appearances also showed how much offensive refinement remains. 

Mendoza entered the season with a reputation as one of the better defensive catchers in the system. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed hitter drew praise for driving the ball to all fields during spring work, and that strength translated more often in games this summer. He will need to make more contact and improve his swing decisions as he advances. His catching defense gives him time to refine the bat. Continued power production could move him beyond a glove-first profile. Mendoza should be in the mix for a Low-A assignment in 2027.

30. Ryan Burrowes, UTIL, (New)

• Signed out of Panama in 2022

Burrowes played his way back onto the list with a strong second half and a late-July promotion to Birmingham. The 21-year-old has hit .261/.376/.403 with nine home runs and 37 stolen bases across High-A and Double-A. He earned South Atlantic League Player of the Week honors in July. Burrowes has plus speed and a quick right-handed swing that does most of its damage against fastballs to the pull side. Breaking balls and changeups remain the larger challenge. He has handled second base, shortstop, third base and the outfield this season, giving him the versatility to develop into a multi-position option. His Double-A finish will also give the White Sox another look before his Rule 5 eligibility arrives this offseason.