Peter Bourjos

Peter Bourjos has been in the MLB for the past seven years, appearing in 713 games with the Angels, Cardinals and Phillies. He has hit .243 with 37 home runs, 149 RBIs and 61 stolen bases.

Almost 30, Bourjos is the veteran in this race. As the team looks to get younger and rebuild, it may seem useless to start an aging veteran while prospects could just take over.

However Bourjos has the most experience. He knows how to handle MLB pitching and would likely bring about the best results. If the team is somehow competitive in 2017, Bourjos would be the best form of offense that’s on the current roster.

Starting Bourjos also basically ensures Tilson of his starting role when he comes back. He is the team’s 11th best prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The White Sox believe they found a future star when they traded for Tilson. Letting a veteran work as a place holder rather than bringing in another prospect may be best for his development.

While he isn’t the flashy pick, Peter Bourjos provides the most experience among players on this list. That experience could make him the favorite while he serves as a placeholder until Tilson returns.

Leury Garcia

Leury Garcia has been in MLB for the past four seasons, playing for the Rangers before the White Sox. In 155 career games, Garcia has hit .188 with two home runs, 14 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.

Garcia doesn’t seem like much of a contender for the role. The outfielder’s stats are unimpressive as he continues the struggle at the MLB level.

However Garcia is just 25 years old and is coming off of a great season in the minor leagues. In 84 games, Garcia hit .313 with six home runs, 35 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.

Perhaps the White Sox feel that he is turning a new leaf. As the team rebuilds they may try to see if Garcia can finally perform at the MLB after playing so well in AAA.

Garcia hasn’t had much success in the big leagues. But he is coming off of a big year and is still fairly young. The White Sox could give him one last chance in 2017 to prove that he could hit major league pitching.

Adam Engel

Adam Engel is currently the White Sox 12th best prospect. In 424 career minor league games, Engel has hit .264 with 24 home runs, 157 RBIs and 179 stolen bases.

Engel will never hit for major power in the MLB, but he will be a speed/defensive guy in center field. He would hit towards the top of order and create runs with his speed.

The White Sox outfielder is likely ready for his MLB debut. While he may break camp as a fourth outfielder, having him start in center field following a Tilson injury would allow him to prove his worth.

Engel offers many of the same traits that Tilson does. They both have great speed and they’re listed back to back in MLB Pipelines rankings. If Tilson is unable to remain healthy, perhaps Engel could be the future at center field for the White Sox.

The next ten days will be crucial for Adam Engel. If he proves that he could perform against MLB talent there’s a chance he not only fills in for Tilson, but takes his job going into the 2017 season.

Jacob May

Jacob May is currently the White Sox 18th best prospect. In 359 minor league games, May has hit .273 with 13 home runs, 121 RBIs and 118 stolen bases.

Everything that makes Engel an exciting prospect applies to May as well. He is an impressive base stealer who will hold his own in center field. MLB Pipeline even called him, “One of the best athletes in a system loaded with toolsy outfielders”.

The next ten days will give May an opportunity to prove himself as well. There’s even a chance that May and Engel get into a competition for a bench spot at the MLB level.

Whichever outfielder wins that competition may not just get the bench spot, but a chance to start in Tilson’s place.

May is ready to make his MLB debut. If he can prove he can hit MLB pitching, there’s a chance he makes that debut while starting in the White Sox outfield.

Overall

Peter Bourjos would likely start Opening Day if Charlie Tilson were out. His veteran experience would put him ahead of the young stars in Adam Engel and Jacob May.

However as the season went on, Engel and May would get their opportunity. Eventually the team would want to see what they have in the prospects and give them a chance to start. If either of them exceeded expectations, they would likely get a chance to prove themselves for the entire 2017 season.

Leury Garcia will likely start the season in AAA. But if he continues to hit well in the minors, he will likely get one more shot in the major leagues.

As for Tilson, one can only hope that he remains healthy. He has all the tools to be a star in center field for years to come. While losing Zach Duke won’t hurt too bad, losing a star entering his prime due to multiple injuries would put a damper on the team’s rebuild.

In short, Charlie Tilson is the White Sox center fielder of the future. But if he continues to struggle with injuries, prospects like Adam Engel and Jacob May or a veteran in Peter Bourjos will have an opportunity to steal his spot during the 2017 MLB season.

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