All position players reported to White Sox camp today as the team prepares for its first game on Saturday. Today’s news featured comments from the team’s premier outfielders, updates on top pitching prospects, and a new South Sider placing in a Top 100 prospect list.
RHP Owen White inked as Ky Bush heads to IL
Chris Getz landed RHP Owen White to replenish the 40-man roster spot left open by Ky Bush, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. White, a former second-round draft pick and Texas Rangers Top 100 prospect, has struggled in Triple-A and the MLB over the past two seasons. The 25-year-old had been DFA’d by multiple teams this offseason after posting a 5.64 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 99 Triple-A innings in 2024.
Robert Jr. expresses desire to stay with Sox amidst trade rumors
Surrounded by trade talks, Luis Robert Jr. remains loyal to the franchise that first signed him out of Cuba.
On the back of a disappointing 2024 campaign featuring injuries and subpar offense, La Pantera’s name has popped up as a trade candidate. Cincinnati reportedly came close a few weeks ago, but a deal could not be struck. Robert Jr. commented on remaining diligent amidst the rumors.
Benintendi ready to erase memories of 2024 woes
Sure, Andrew Benintendi recorded an .830 OPS following last year’s All-Star break, but you wouldn’t know it listening to him today. The embattled outfielder expects to improve on 2024 numbers that were ugly overall, despite the late resurgence.
Bearing the title of the White Sox’s record contract holder, Benintendi has three years left on his deal. He feels that sticking with a toe-tap batting stance will continue to boost his offensive success like it did several months ago.
Schultz praises Bannister ahead of scheduled start
Lanky lefty Noah Schultz is gearing up for his first ever Spring Training start, and continues to rely on Brian Bannister along the way. Ranked the number one LHP prospect by MLB, Schultz praises the Sox Director of Pitching for his adjustments.
Schultz threw some batting practice yesterday and will do so again on Thursday ahead of his February 26 slated start.
Thorpe resumes pitching as recovery progresses
Good news dropped regarding Drew Thorpe’s recovery. The crafty right-hander is questionable to start the year in the rotation but is making progress towards that goal.
Taylor lands on prospect list after brief, brilliant 2024 showing
Fangraphs’ Eric Longenhagen released his Top 100 prospects today, and like other rankings, the Sox sported six names. Yet Grant Taylor, and not Braden Montgomery, was on this one. The former LSU Tiger, a second-round selection in 2023, hurled 19.1 innings of 2.33 ERA, and 15 K/9 ball last season. Unfortunately, Taylor didn’t see the mound again following a lat injury. That didn’t stop Fangraphs from praising him today.
Taylor was only able to squeeze in 19.1 innings during the 2024 regular season once he was finished rehabbing, and came to the Arizona Fall League to pick up reps. At times he looked great there, flashing four average or better pitches, including a plus-flashing changeup that wasn’t part of Taylor’s college repertoire at all. Taylor sat 96-98 range early in outings and 94-98 overall. His fastball has vertical shape and plus ride, which pairs nicely with the shape of a 83-ish mph curveball that has fair depth but often lacks bite. Taylor’s 84-90 mph slider and 87-89 mph changeup are his two nastier secondary pitches. Breaking ball consistency will be key for Taylor moving forward.
The list placed Noah Schultz at No. 18, Hagen Smith at 22, Kyle Teel at 49, Colson Montgomery at 58, Edgar Quero at 90, and Taylor at 94.
Other News and Notes
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