Now that virtually every trade piece the White Sox had is gone, they are destined to lose an absurd amount of games the next two months. After yesterday’s loss against the Cubs, the White Sox have now lost 10 of 11 and are right in the thick of things for not only drafting top three, but No. 1 overall. Furthermore, the White Sox just traded their last legitimate bullpen piece in Anthony Swarzak to the Milwaukee Brewers. Even if the White Sox bats come to life down the stretch, it will be incredibly difficult for them to hold onto a lead in any given game.
The name linked to the White Sox for the past year has been Clemson Sophomore Seth Beer. Clearly the best power bat in the 2018 draft, Beer exploded onto the scene last year, winning Freshman of the Year, as well as other numerous awards. Scouts have Beer going anywhere in the 5-10 range because his defense is poor, and he might end up being a DH. If the White Sox feel the same way, they more than likely won’t reach for a player like that with the No. 1 spot. If the White Sox do end up picking third, then they could potentially draft Beer. But if the White Sox slip into the top two, I wouldn’t count on it.
So If Not Beer, Then Who?
Fear not White Sox fans, while Beer might not be as likely an option as he once was, there are still a plethora of studs the White Sox could select should they pick No. 1 or No. 2. The top two prospects all seem to be agreed upon among scouts nationwide, with a few different opinions on who could go No. 3.
1) Brady Singer – RHP, Florida
For everyone immediately freaking out that the White Sox need bats, I quote Aaron Rodgers: R-E-L-A-X. First of all, take a look at the White Sox prospect page. Inside their respective top 10, there are 5 pitchers and 5 batters. Obviously that will change in the near future once Yoan Moncada graduates from the pipeline, but the balance is still there. There’s also the fact that Brady Singer is the real deal. Standing at 6’5, 195, Singer has a great build for a pitcher. He throws from a 3/4 arm slot and works with a fastball/slider combo with his changeup still developing. Singer’s fastball sits in the mid-90’s but comes with serious arm side run, making it incredibly difficult for opposing batters to barrel the ball. Singer pairs his fastball with a slider that misses bats regularly. However, the thing that stands out most with Singer is that HE THROWS STRIKES. Singer will straight up pound the zone over and over. Something that cannot really be said with the current White Sox pitching prospects. He will also add more velocity as he matures. Many scouts have Singer as the early pick to go No. 1, and it isn’t by accident.
2) Brice Turang – SS, Santiago High School, (CA)
Turang is the top rated high school player in the country at the moment, and for good reason. Turang has a knack for the strike-zone, striking out just once (!) in his entire Junior season. He consistently squares up the ball to his bat and makes hard contact over and over again. One scout likened him to a high school version of Dansby Swanson. Turang has the range, speed, soft hands, and quick feet to stay at short stop for the longterm.
“to be a left-handed hitting, true shortstop profile, who’s polished, who has range, is impressive. I think that power is the last thing to develop with most guys, and I think that his power will develop.”
In short, Turang is a potential 5-tool player once the power comes with maturity. He can hit, steal bags, and plays a phenomenal short stop. White Sox fans might argue and say that we have Tim Anderson locked in for the foreseeable future, which is true, but he isn’t having the best season by any means. One great rookie year does not necessarily mean it will become the norm (see Gordon Beckham). When it comes to drafting, teams need to take the best player available. There is no need to pass up on a talent like Turang’s for a lesser talent but greater position of need. That is not how rebuilds work. Turang is currently a commit to LSU, but scouts say that if he opted out he could reach the MLB in just 3 years, maybe even quicker. While he is on the younger side of the spectrum, Turang would fit in nicely with the timing of the rebuild, and could be an offensive and defensive force as short for 10+ years.
3) Kumar Rocker – RHP, North Oconee High School, (GA)
Rocker is probably the most physically imposing pitcher that will be available in the 2018 MLB Draft. at 6’4, 250, Kumar is a true power pitcher. His fastball sits at 95, and has touched 97. It will continue to gain velocity as Rocker himself gains strength through maturity. He is also working on a slider that has topped out at 78 mph with nasty bite, and scouts say his changeup will eventually grade out at 50 on the 20-80 scale. While he has a lot to work on, he has the time being so young. His body allows him to repeat his delivery with incredible ease. He also is a prolific hitter from the right side of the plate, and plays 1st base for his high school on occasion, which shows how athletic he truly is. Rocker’s power fastball mold seems to fit with what the White Sox are trying to build down on their farm, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he is their pick when the day comes. Scouts generally agree he has a front-end starter ceiling, with the possibility of ace status.
What Have We Learned?
Well, if the White Sox do indeed pick in the top-three, Seth Beer more than likely would not be the choice. Now, obviously a lot can change in the next 11 months. Beer could have his best collegiate season next year and see his draft stock soar. Other prospects could fall, and some teams might come out of nowhere and push the White Sox back a few draft slots. As of today though, keep an eye on these three prospects. They are surely going to gain more and more attention heading into next season. More will be clear when actual mock drafts come out once teams have solidified their draft position, but for now, let your imagination run wild with different scenarios.
And remember as always, White Sox fans, “In Hahn We Trust”.
