When people think of the White Sox top pitching prospects, Noah Schultz and Drew Thorpe come to mind immediately. Some also know of Nick Nastrini, Jonathan Cannon, Jairo Iriarte, Jake Eder, and Ky Bush. Yet the organization has another pitching prospect who is just as good as those guys but has yet to get any recognition or accolades. It is time for White Sox fans to learn Mason Adams’s name.
Adams’s Background
A 24-year-old right-hander, Adams was drafted by the White Sox in the 13th round of the 2022 draft from Jacksonville University and signed for just $75,000. Adams was relatively unknown then, as he played for a smaller school. In his final college season, Adams had just a 4.80 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 15 starts in the Atlantic Sun Conference, which is not a hotbed for MLB draft talent. However, he did lead the conference in strikeouts that season. The White Sox saw something in him, and their decision to draft him is already paying dividends.
His Fantastic 2024 Season
Adams’s curveball is his best pitch, but he also has a fastball, changeup, and slider in his arsenal. He had a solid 2023 season, pitching to a 3.14 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 23 games between High A and AA. While he was respectable last season, Adams has elevated his game to new heights this year. He has a 2.09 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 10.1 K/9 in nine starts this season at the AA level. Adams has allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his nine starts. He also has only walked nine batters in 51.2 innings.
Adams is at or near the top of every statistical category in the Southern League, and AA is generally the level where most teams keep their top prospects. Despite facing tough competition, Adams has carved up almost every lineup put in front of him. He is just the #19 prospect in the White Sox organization per MLB.com, but he will undoubtedly move up the list when it is updated.
Elite Command
The most impressive aspect of Adams’s performance this season has been his ability to throw strikes. He is walking less than two batters per every nine innings and has an elite 6.44 strikeout-to-walk ratio. For reference, Adams would rank ninth in MLB in that category. The big leagues are a much different animal than AA, but Adams’s ability to throw strikes consistently will help him as he continues to climb the professional ranks. Many young pitchers have command issues and cannot throw strikes consistently. Adams does not have those issues.
Adams’s Trajectory Moving Forward
The Birmingham Barons currently have six capable starting pitchers in their rotation. As previously mentioned, Drew Thorpe, Noah Schultz, Jairo Iriarte, Jake Eder, and Ky Bush are all part of that pitching staff, along with Adams. However, if Adams’ performance is any indication, he might not be in AA for long. He will likely be promoted to AAA sooner rather than later. Adams might even get a cup of coffee in the bigs before this season ends. He has been that good.
Spots Are There For The Taking
The White Sox starting rotation at the MLB level is currently in flux. Other than Garrett Crochet, there is no one else you can definitively set in stone for next season. Nick Nastrini and Jonathan Cannon have gotten some MLB opportunities so far, and Adams is also firmly in the mix for a spot moving forward. It would be a great story to see a former 13th-round pick work his way up to the majors and carve out a successful career for himself.
