I’ve moved on from Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. You should too. A couple minor moves here and there will still happen before spring training ends, but as of now, the team that will take the field on Opening Day is pretty much set. The White Sox will still have the chance to add a big name free agent next year, but for now let’s focus on a player they can be guaranteed to add to the organization this June in the draft.
After an awful 2018, the Sox will have the luxury of picking 3rd behind the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. This is ideal because right now, there are three big time prospects that everyone is talking about, so if you can do simple math like myself, you can understand that Chicago will have at least one of them fall into their lap. So without further ado, let’s meet the prospects.
Adley Rutschman- Catcher, Oregon State
When it comes to college bats, Rutschman may be the best all around talent available. Last year for the Beavers, he slashed a ridiculous .408/.505/.628 with 83 RBI and 34 XBH in 67 games. He also has a great feel for the strike zone, with 53 walks to just 40 K’s.
Rutschman is also incredible in the clutch as evidenced by his historic College World Series stats last year en route to the title. As a sophomore, he broke the CWS record for total hits (17), finished 2nd all-time in OBP (.649), and tied for 2nd all-time in RBI (13). He was named the tournament’s MOP (Most Outstanding Player).
Defensively, he projects as above average, but not elite. He is pretty athletic for a catcher and is a solid receiver.
Whoever gets Rutschman this summer is getting a switch-hitting bat that hits for power and average. When he goes on cold streaks, he’ll still get on base thanks to his elite approach. He also provides above average defense behind the plate. All of that from a catcher gives Rutschman a very high ceiling. He has also gotten rave reviews for his makeup. Rutschman has all the intangibles to go with his presence on the field to make him a clubhouse leader and future All-Star.
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Andrew Vaughn- 1B, California
While Adley Rutschman figures to hit for a higher average, Vaughn will undoubtedly hit for more power. In 2018, the first baseman from Cal slashed .402/.531/.819 with 23 home runs and 63 RBI in just 54 games played. Those stats propelled him to win the Golden Spikes Award, which is given to the best amateur baseball player in the United States. Some notable names that have won the award in the past include Andrew Benintendi, Kris Bryant, Trevor Bauer, Bryce Harper, Stephen Strausberg, and Buster Posey.
But forget 2018, his start to the 2019 season is nothing short of jaw dropping. In his first 7 games (small sample size I know) he is slashing .524/.714/.1000. He also has 14 walks already to just 3 K’s. Those stats are laugh out loud funny. The caveat on Vaughn is that he will undoubtedly be limited to a first base or DH role due to his extreme lack of speed. This is one of the reasons I think he will be the one to fall to Chicago at 3. That and he fits their most recent draft history of taking college power bats with a good feel for the strike zone (see Zack Collins and Jake Burger). Vaughn will be a big name for Sox fans to keep an eye on as the college baseball season continues.
Bobby Witt Jr., Colleyville Heritage High School, Texas- Short Stop
Bobby Witt Jr. is referred to by many as the best player in the country. The son of Bobby Witt (who got drafted 3rd overall and won 142 games as a pitcher over 16 seasons) is a potential 5-tool short stop. His power/speed combo could see him turn into a 20-20 guy at the pro level. He ranks in the 99th percentile in the majority of statistics for his class including average exit velocity, barrel speed, impact momentum, and max acceleration. The White Sox don’t seem to go after high school bats very often, but if Witt Jr falls to them at 3, they should be running up to the podium.
Like I said earlier, Sox fans should be excited because they are guaranteed to get one of these 3 guys. All of them have the potential to be stars at the MLB level. Hopefully I don’t have to write about another potential top 3 pick for a while.