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2020 MLB Draft Recap: Reviewing the Chicago White Sox

By Roger Castillo

CHICAGO - MAY 27: Cuban outfielder Luis Robert and Chicago White Sox Senior Vice-President and General Manager Rick Hahn participate in a press conference to announce the signing of Robert prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers on May 27, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. Robert, 19, has played the last four seasons (2013-16) for Ciego de Ávila in the Cuban Serie Nacional (Cuban National Series), Cuba"u2019s top-level league. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Robert made his debut with the team in 2013 at age 16. Robert played for Cuba"u2019s U-18 National Team from 2014-2015, making appearances at the World Cup (2015) and Pan American Games (2014). He was teammates with White Sox and baseball"u2019s No. 1 overall prospect Yoán Moncada in 2014. Robert also played for Cuba"u2019s U-15 National Team in 2012.Robert played for Cuba"u2019s U-18 National Team from 2014-2015, making appearances at the World Cup (2015) and Pan American Games (2014). He was teammates with White Sox and baseball"u2019s No. 1 overall prospect Yoán Moncada in 2014. Robert also played for Cuba"u2019s U-15 National Team in 2012. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
CHICAGO - MAY 27: Cuban outfielder Luis Robert and Chicago White Sox Senior Vice-President and General Manager Rick Hahn participate in a press conference to announce the signing of Robert prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers on May 27, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. Robert, 19, has played the last four seasons (2013-16) for Ciego de Ávila in the Cuban Serie Nacional (Cuban National Series), Cuba"u2019s top-level league. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Robert made his debut with the team in 2013 at age 16. Robert played for Cuba"u2019s U-18 National Team from 2014-2015, making appearances at the World Cup (2015) and Pan American Games (2014). He was teammates with White Sox and baseball"u2019s No. 1 overall prospect Yoán Moncada in 2014. Robert also played for Cuba"u2019s U-15 National Team in 2012.Robert played for Cuba"u2019s U-18 National Team from 2014-2015, making appearances at the World Cup (2015) and Pan American Games (2014). He was teammates with White Sox and baseball"u2019s No. 1 overall prospect Yoán Moncada in 2014. Robert also played for Cuba"u2019s U-15 National Team in 2012. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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Our friends at Southside Showdown are excited about the MLB Draft turned out for the Chicago White Sox.

We here at the MCB staff love baseball so much that we wanted to start a series on providing a general overview of how other teams we like did in the MLB Draft and how they themselves up for the future.  Today, we take a look at the division rival Chicago White Sox. Here are the teams we have done so far.

Before we say our two cents, Vinnie Parise, the co-expert at Southside Showdown, gives us his thoughts:

The Chicago White Sox had a very impressive draft in my eyes. Their first two selections of Garrett Crochet and Jared Kelley show that they are interested in a rotation that features lots of flamethrowers.

They used their third, fourth, and fifth picks on pitchers as well, selecting Adisyn Coffey, Kade Mechals, and Bailey Horn. They have a lot of strong hitters already in the organization so stacking up on pitching was clearly a priority.

The starting lineup is starting to really take shape here in Chicago. There is still lots of improvement to be had there, but it is looking really good. With that, they knew they needed more long term help in the rotation and bullpen. Fans should feel better about that after this 2020 MLB draft!

Looking at the White Sox’s system overall and their approach to the draft, I agree with Vinnie on how they approach the draft by restocking the system with arms. Michael Kopech is just getting back from injury and Jonathan Stiever, who is number five on Chicago’s MLB Pipeline Top 30, experienced some forearm soreness.  They also feature Dane Danning and Matthew Thompson among their top 10 prospects. I am going to briefly discuss the first two picks in Garrett Crochet and Jarred Kelley.

Garrett Crochet

As reported by Baseball America, he has the best fastball in the draft with a spin rate above 2500. His repeatability in his mechanics is solid as you see here with his front foot landing in his smooth delivery.

He also features a nasty slider and changeup. Despite only 13 college starts, with that type of makeup, probably a safe bet he will continue to work on hitting the projection of a third starter type. Even if that does not pan out, you are talking about a lefty with electric stuff that could be a solid reliever at 6-6, 218 pounds.

Jarred Kelley

A high school pitcher standing at 6’3, 215 pounds,  he was number 11 prospect on Baseball America’s list and considered one of the best high arms in the country with a fastball clocked at 96-98 MPH range. He features a good changeup. In this video, you can see the breaking pitch will take time to develop but in the case of Chicago, they are in no hurry.

The White Sox have done very well in trades to restock their farm system and have done well in international scouting. As Detroit continues to find its identity in the international scene and build out their system, it will be interested in seeing how both teams will look in 2023. They have similar types in Andrew Vaughn and Spencer Torkelson and some good arms but that is where the comparison ends for now. If the Tigers get at least a Luis Robert or Eloy Jimenez type in their system, it will help narrow the gap. Chicago will be a team to watch in this shortened season with prospects ready to contribute soon.

Thank you to Vinnie for helping us out. You can follow him @VinnieParise

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