With the 83rd overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the White Sox have selected right-handed pitcher Adisyn Coffey out of Wabash Valley Junior College in Mount Carmel, Illinois. He is a former White Sox Area Code player.
Coffey is a 6-2, 195 lbs. converted pitcher who features a 92-95 mph fastball and also throws a slider. The Muncie, Indiana native previously committed to Arizona State University and didn’t play. He is now committed to Louisville for the upcoming season, but is almost sure to pass that up for the opportunity to play professionally in the White Sox organization.
Oddly enough, Coffey wasn’t ranked in the MLB Pipeline’s or Baseball America’s Top 500 draft prospects list. That makes this selection somewhat surprising, though understandable after the first two picks of Crochet and Kelley. While he also possesses the ability to play shortstop, he will most likely continue pitching through the organization.
First Look
MLB Pipeline Grades: Not Listed
Draft Rankings: Not ranked
Pros vs. Cons
The Good: This pick will allow the White Sox to free up some funds to get the Jared Kelley (2nd round) deal done. Also, Coffey could add some athleticism to the farm system. It doesn’t hurt that he can pitch and play several infield positions.
The Not-So Good: Saying the Sox reached for Coffey would be an overstatement. He wasn’t ranked on any top draft prospects lists and was likely to go undrafted if the White Sox didn’t pick him up here.
Why it makes sense
The White Sox gained a pair of premier pitching prospects with the first two picks in the draft. Signing these prospects was likely very costly so going with Coffey in the third-round keeps some money available for the final two rounds. If anything, the right-hander adds to the growing pitching depth in the organization.
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Featured Edit: Brandon Anderson
