Spring training is now in full swing, and it is becoming more apparent which players are making a good impression in White Sox camp. On a team that will feature many new faces and some familiar ones, several players have opened eyes this spring.

#5 – Nicky Lopez

The pride of Naperville himself, Lopez was acquired from the Braves this offseason in the Aaron Bummer trade. While he has historically been known more for his defense than his hitting, Lopez has been crushing the ball, hitting .389 with five doubles and a 1.167 OPS. He will likely be the Opening Day second baseman and could become a part of the future plans on the south side if he has a good 2024 campaign.

#4 – Nick Nastrini

Acquired from the Dodgers at the 2023 trade deadline, Nastrini has been excellent this spring. He has pitched four scoreless innings in official games and another two scoreless innings in a B game. Nastrini is the White Sox most MLB ready starting pitching prospect and could make the Opening Day rotation in Chicago if he keeps performing. Even if he does not open the season with the big league team, he should be on the south side shortly.

#3 – Jordan Leasure

Acquired along with Nastrini from the Dodgers last year, Leasure has been one of the bright spots at White Sox camp thus far. In four appearances, he has struck out six while not allowing a single run. His fastball and slider combo has been lethal, and it is becoming increasingly likely that he will make the Opening Day roster. It remains unclear what his role in the bullpen will be to open the season, but he will likely have a high-leverage relief role sooner rather than later.

#2 – Garrett Crochet

Crochet has turned back the clock to 2020, as his fastball velocity has gotten closer to his rookie season when he dominated everyone he faced. Crochet has been electric this spring, as he has not allowed a run in 3.2 innings while striking out five. Injuries have ravaged each of his past two seasons, so it is a very encouraging sign to see him pitching this well. It is still unclear if he will be a starter or reliever when the regular season begins, but he will be an integral part of the pitching staff regardless.

#1 – Eloy Jiménez

Even before spring training started, it was obvious that 2024 would be the most critical season of Jiménez’s career to date. This season is the last guaranteed year of his contract, as the White Sox have club options on him for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. It will be pivotal for Jiménez to have an excellent 2024 season to remain in the White Sox plans, and he has responded to the challenge. Jiménez is hitting .520 with a 1.258 OPS, including two doubles, one home run, and nine RBIs in just 25 at-bats. Eloy changed his swing this offseason, and it is encouraging to see him locked in at the plate at the start of a new calendar year. Hopefully, his hot start will carry over to the regular season.

Final Takeaway

Spring training stats do not mean much in the scheme of things and should be taken with a grain of salt. However, it is a welcome sight to see several Sox players get off to fast starts in a year full of opportunities.