Oscar Colás is back in the major leagues, as Francys Romero has reported that the White Sox are calling him up from AAA. The White Sox needed offensive reinforcements and additional depth on the position player side of the roster due to injuries to Luis Robert Jr., Eloy Jiménez, and Yoán Moncada. The team promoted Lenyn Sosa the other day, and now Colás is getting another chance to prove what he can do.
Colás’ Minor League Success
An international signing, the left-handed hitting Colás signed with the White Sox for $2.7 million in 2022. That year, he had a very successful season in the minors, hitting .314 with 23 home runs, 79 RBI, and a .895 OPS in 117 games between the A+, AA, and AAA levels. As a result, Colás quickly shot up through the minor leagues and prospect lists. He was a top 100 prospect in baseball according to Baseball Prospectus, Baseball America, and Major League Baseball before the 2023 season. Colás was also the White Sox #2 prospect that year, behind only Colson Montgomery.
Tough Rookie Season
Unfortunately, his rookie season did not go as hoped. In 75 MLB games, he hit just .216 with a .571 OPS while striking out 27% of the time and walking just 4.6% of the time. Colás was worth -1.5 bWAR and -1.0 fWAR in his rookie campaign, so he was significantly below replacement level. He was one of the worst players in the major leagues, both offensively and defensively. Colás was sent down to the minor leagues several times because of poor performance and lack of fundamentals.
Despite a tough rookie season, Colás is still only 25 years old and has a top prospect pedigree. He also showed promise at the MLB level last season in some areas, specifically arm strength and hard-hit %. Before his call up, Colás was also off to a hot start in AAA this season, hitting .321 with an .875 OPS in 32 plate appearances.
Colás’ Chance At Redemption
Given the injury to Luis Robert Jr., the White Sox outfield situation is unclear. His injury has caused a dramatic shift in playing time in both center field and right field. Dominic Fletcher will likely play in center field consistently, but Colás should have another extended opportunity to prove what he can do at the MLB level, likely in right field. Kevin Pillar and Robbie Grossman are currently on the roster as veteran options and are far more experienced at the MLB level than Colás, but offer far less future upside. We will have to wait and see which route Pedro Grifol decides to take for playing time.
While all the injuries the White Sox have dealt with are unfortunate, they also create opportunities for young players like Colás to show what they can do. The White Sox are in a transition period, and young players like Colás will have an extended opportunity to play at the highest level. This could be the break he needed to prove himself and reinsert himself into the White Sox future plans.
3 international players hurt themselves AGAIN trying to run to first base. This has become funny. Let’s find players who can run to first base.