With the 2022 MLB Draft completed, all draft picks signed, and the trade deadline passed, we are revisiting our mid-season prospect rankings.
The White Sox went pitcher-heavy this year in the draft, adding multiple high-upside arms to a minor league system that was lacking in that department. Overall, they drafted 12 pitchers (six in their first seven picks), six infielders, one outfielder, and one catcher. Their first three picks were all pitchers, all of which have the potential to be members of the White Sox rotation eventually. All three of those pitchers have been introduced to the White Sox’ top prospect list, each of them cracking the top 11. On top of that, the Sox drafted two other prospects in this draft who have enough talent to be included in the back half of their top 30 prospects, making five new additions altogether.
Along with the new additions, there were some minor updates to the rankings, with several prospects having big months that have bumped up their prospect ranking a bit despite the added members to the list. Overall, the White Sox have been able to put together a farm system that consists of quality high-end talent and more depth than it has seen in a couple of years. They have done an excellent job both drafting and signing talent in the international signing periods, and there is no doubt that their farm system as a whole is trending upwards.
New Additions
Noah Schultz, SP
The White Sox have a type when it comes to first-round pitchers: tall, lanky, and left-handed. Noah Schultz fits this profile perfectly, with a 6’9 frame and a unique three-quarters delivery that makes it difficult for batters to read the ball out of his hand. He keeps his delivery under better control than one would expect, and his fastball/slider combo is as good as anyone’s from this draft class. All his tools combined, he has true top-of-the-rotation potential.
Peyton Pallette, SP
Peyton Pallette probably could have been drafted a round earlier if he didn’t miss his entire junior year from Tommy John surgery. While not a physically imposing presence on the mound at 6’1 180 lbs, Pallette possesses elite stuff that has garnered Walker Buehler comparisons from scouts. His fastball can touch 99 mph, and his curveball is even better with incredible spin and movement. His changeup is also at least usable at this stage. He has front-end-of-the-rotation potential as well.
Jonathan Cannon, SP
While Cannon doesn’t possess the elite pitching arsenal that Schutz and Pallette have, he makes up for it with incredible command and an ability to pound the strike zone. He has a full pitching arsenal that consists of a fastball, cutter, slider, and changeup that he uses effectively, topping out at 96 with his heater. The best part of his game is his ability to limit baserunners, as he only averaged 1.4 BB/9 in his junior season. He has mid-rotation starter upside and has a chance to be the first player from this entire draft to be called up to the majors.
Jordan Sprinkle, SS
Speed and defense are Jordan Sprinkle’s calling cards. He also hit very well in his sophomore season but struggled at the plate his junior year. This is what led to the White Sox being able to snag him in the 4th round. He might be the best defensive shortstop in this draft, with a desirable combination of range, instincts, and arm strength. He has shown more potential at the plate than his final collegiate season suggests, so there is upside with this pick. At worst, he has the potential to be a useful defensive replacement/pinch runner at the MLB level. But if he can regain his swing he can be even better than that.
Eric Adler, RP
Eric Adler has some of the best pure stuff in this draft, with high velocity and spin rates on his fastball, and above-average breaking pitches. He should have no problem missing bats as a relief pitcher; however, it is his control that holds him back. His unsightly 10.5 BB/9 rate won’t get it done at the professional level, but his stuff is so good that he still has a chance to overcome it. If he can, then he has high leverage (maybe even closer) potential.
Trending Up
Oscar Colas, OF
Previously, Oscar Colas was ranked 3rd just behind Lenyn Sosa. However, Since the last rankings came out Oscar Colas was promoted to Double-A and has absolutely dominated the more advanced pitching. The raw power everyone knew he had is finally on full display, and his stock is skyrocketing because of it. His power combined with his defensive capabilities gives him a shot at being the White Sox’ second top 100 prospect in the near future.
Jose Rodriguez, 2B/SS
The only thing missing from Jose Rodriguez’s game this season was the power he had shown in previous seasons. Well, he has now hit 4 home runs in a 5-game span and is still hitting around .300 since June 1, so his offensive capabilities are on full display. He finally looks like the prospect that was the biggest riser in the system a year ago and could fight with Sosa as the top middle infield prospect not named Colson Montgomery.
Cristian Mena, SP
When writing the last Top 30 prospects update, I battled with the idea of ranking Cristian Mena ahead of Norge Vera, but ultimately decided against it. Now that Mena is holding his own at a level higher, though, I decided to make the change. Cristian Mena has been the biggest break-out pitcher in the White Sox organization, featuring a low-mid 90s fastball and a curveball that is a true out pitch. He has been able to effectively strike out batters in both Low-A and High-A this season, looking like he belongs as just a 19-year-old pitcher against older competition. He may not have the velocity that Vera has, but he has been more impressive overall this season against comparable competition.
Loidel Chapelli, 2B
Loidel Chapelli was in danger of being knocked off the top 30 list due to his position at the bottom of the list, however, he has played so well that he earned the right to stay. The 20-year-old middle infielder has been dominant in his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. While he is a bit older for the level, he has still been one of the best players there, and will no doubt move quickly once he makes his stateside debut in 2023.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Burrowes SS
Ryan Burrowes was only in the Honorable Mentions section in the last update; however, he deserves some attention here as he has been fantastic in his professional debut. The 17-year-old shortstop has an above .800 OPS on the season while showing an advanced approach at the plate, drawing walks and limiting his strikeouts. He was an under-the-radar signing in the same class as Colas, Hernandez, and Chapelli; however, at only a $70,000 signing bonus, he might be the best value signing of the year.
New Top 30 Prospects List
- Colson Montgomery SS
- Oscar Colas OF
- Lenyn Sosa SS
- Cristian Mena SP
- Noah Schultz SP
- Norge Vera RHP
- Bryan Ramos 3B
- Peyton Pallette SP
- Jose Rodriguez 2B/SS
- Wes Kath 3B
- Jonathan Cannon SP
- Yoelqui Cespedes OF
- Davis Martin SP
- Sean Burke SP
- Yolbert Sanchez
- Matthew Thompson SP
- Jared Kelley SP
- Carlos Perez C
- Jordan Sprinkle SS
- Kohl Simas SP
- Erick Hernandez OF
- Luis Mieses OF
- Tanner McDougal SP
- Micker Adolfo OF
- Adam Hackenberg C
- Hunter Schryver RP
- Eric Adler RP
- Romy Gonzalez
- Jason Bilous SP
- Loidel Chapelli 2B
For more on many of these top 30 prospects, check out our previous top 30 lists from before the draft!
- Midseason Top 30 Prospects: Honorable Mentions
- Midseason Top 30 Prospects: #30-16
- Midseason Top 30 Prospects: #15-1
What do you think of our updated prospect list? Let us know on Twitter! @SoxOn35th
Featured Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
