The Chicago White Sox add the next wave of talent in this three-round mock draft.
In a year that they were expected to take a leap forward, the Chicago White Sox plans for an AL Central title, and possibly more, have been put on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of the outbreak, MLB also shortened the upcoming Amateur Draft to just five rounds. While not ideal, the White Sox hold the 11th overall pick in the first round and are in a prime position to add an immediate impact player.
On paper, the south siders are solid around the infield or have promising prospects that will fill in the gaps as they enter their competitive window. The rotation remains suspect as the White Sox wait to see how Michael Kopech returns from Tommy John surgery. Lucas Giolito had a breakout year in 2019, but he’ll need to show that it wasn’t a fluke.
Pitching would seem to be the primary need in the draft, but the Sox also need some future help in the outfield. General Manager Rick Hahn may also take the best player available, should he love a player still on the board.
Let’s look at a three-round mock draft that seems feasible.
Round 1, 11th overall
Patrick Bailey, C, North Carolina State
I love Patrick Bailey to the White Sox with their first pick. He’s one of the best college bats in this draft, and he’s been highly-touted as a terrific defender behind home plate. Bailey was named the ACC Freshman of the Year in 2018 after posting a 1.023 OPS with 13 bombs and 40 RBI.
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He backed that up with a strong sophomore year, hitting .288 (.903 OPS) to go along with ten home runs and 46 RBI. Bailey has a fantastic offensive-mind, and he’s very patient logging nearly a 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Before the shutdown, Bailey was off to a great start, hitting .296 with six home runs through the first 17 games.
Round 2, 48th overall
CJ Van Eyk, RHP, Florida State
Van Eyk has been slipping in some mock drafts, but he’s an excellent value for the White Sox in the second round. As a freshman at Florida State, he was eased into the starting rotation, making 19 appearances – including five starts – and struck out 71 batters in 56.2 innings of work. With a 2.86 ERA and limiting batters to a .208 average, Van Eyk was named ACC All-Third Team.
The following year, he was moved into the rotation, making 18 starts with a 3.81 ERA. Van Eyk tossed 99.1 innings and struck out 129 while limiting .234 batters. He was off to a strong start before the shutdown this season, spinning a 1.31 ERA through his first four starts. He has the tendency to walk a few batters and doesn’t feature overpowering stuff, so he may be better served in the bullpen. That said, he’d fit in perfectly behind Giolito, Kopech, and Dylan Cease.
