A Forgotten Name In the White Sox Rebuild

When the Chicago White Sox began their rebuild back in December of 2016, there was one reliever from the 2016 MLB Draft that was supposed to be a core name. Reliever Zack Burdi was drafted 26th overall in that year's draft by the White Sox and projected as the team's future closer. Following four hard years involving injuries, it appears now that Burdi could finally perform.

In the 2016 MLB draft, the White Sox had three picks in the top 50 selections. They drafted catcher Zack Collins, Burdi, and starting pitcher Alec Hansen. Of the three, it was the reliever who was expected to be the first in the majors. Burdi featured a triple-digit fastball, a terrific slider, and a quality changeup. He was promoted to Triple-A Charlotte by the end of 2016 and was there in 2017 before suffering an arm injury that required Tommy John Surgery.

The surgery cost Burdi a majority of the 2017 season and a good portion of the 2018 season. He was only able to make12 appearances in rookie ball and the Arizona fall league. Burdi spent the 2019 season in Double-A Birmingham, where he made 17 appearances before suffering a knee injury that cost him the remainder of the season. Burdi has been healthy and impressive so far during the early portion of spring training this season. His fastball has been consistently clocked in the mid-90s.

Chicago will take their time with their former first-round selection as building his stamina and health are the most important goals. If Burdi can stay healthy and pitch effectively, he could be called up at some point in the second half of the season. If Chicago does call him up, their number one goal for him will be to get acclimated to major league hitters.

The White Sox have their closer for the 2020 season in All-Star Alex Colome, who saved 30 games last season. If Colome struggles, Chicago has the option to turn to either Kelvin Herrera or Aaron Bummer. Ideally, they would like to groom Burdi to be their potential closer for the next few seasons after that, health permitting. He does have the pitching repertoire to be an effective closer in the league.

In a perfect situation, It would be Burdi and not Colome as the team's closer heading into the 2020 season. Had the injuries not occurred, the White Sox would have had their former first-round pick close games at the end of 2018 and possibly in 2019. He would be experienced and fully ready heading into this season. The number one thing now appears that Burdi is back and could debut in 2020.