As the draft concluded, the White Sox made some very intriguing picks in the last 10 rounds. It seems that the White Sox were focused on quality college bats that make a lot of contact, as those can potentially translate over to the major league game easier.
Before any of these players step foot on a minor league field, it seems that the Whtie Sox had a very good draft and I am excited to see how they pan out.
A great sign was the fact that the White Sox were able to get every single one of their picks signed, so we should see them at the affiliates by the end of the season. The White Sox picked some fast risers, so don’t be surprised if we see some of them in the majors in just a few years.
Here are some of the most notable draft picks on day three of the draft.
Rikuu Nishida, 2B, Oregon
The 11th-round pick for the Sox was a very interesting one. Nishida played at Oregon, but mainly with a wood bat, which is not the norm for college, as they typically play with metal bats. This shows that he can handle hitting with a wood bat, as if you are not used to it, it could take an adjustment period.
He has tremendous bat-to-ball skills and he has good speed. If he can continue to hit at such a high level, he will be a fun prospect to watch. He could be a fast riser in the system if his contact skills translate over to the minor leagues.
Overall, he gets on base a lot and he walks more than he strikes out. These were traits that the Sox were looking for in the draft and hopefully, he will be a late-round steal and turn out to be a nice Adam Eaton-type player for the Sox.
Mikey Kane, INF, Oregon State
With their 17th-round pick, the Sox took Mikey Kane from Oregon State. He, like Nishida, has good bat control and can hit for a very high average.
The White Sox definitely prioritized good contact hitters late in this draft, as if you can hit at a very high level in college, it is likely to translate over to the minor leagues. Getting on base and having good bat control are key traits that successful MLB players have, and displaying those in college can really help move you through the farm system.
If he can begin to develop more power he could be a very good major league hitter. It seems that the White Sox are going for Nick Madrigal-type value in the later rounds instead of with a top 5 pick, which is a smart move.
Garrett Wright, RHP, TCU
One of my favorite picks from the draft and one of the best values is Garrett Wright from TCU. He was TCU’s closer and a great one at that.
He has been their saves leader for the past two years and has been an all-big 12-second team player. These are good awards to have, especially if you are a 20th-round pick.
He has very solid control and strikeout stuff. If he gets some refinement in the minor leagues, he could be a reliever that moves up the system quickly. I very much like this pick and it will bring more value than most 20th-round picks.
The Sox have officially signed all of their draft class and I am looking forward to seeing them perform in the minor leagues.
Great