The White Sox did not open up the season with any of their top-100 prospects on the major league roster, which surprised some people, as there were a few players that were projected to make it. However, that will make the minor league season significantly more interesting for many of the levels, as each level will have some intriguing prospects.
We can take a look at each level to see the top prospects who will suit up for them to start the season, as they will be interesting to follow as the season goes along. Here, we will continue by seeing who will be on the reigning champion Birmingham Barons.
While the rosters aren't finalized as of now, there have been some rumblings on where players will begin the season, as games will start next week.
As it has previously been reported, the rotation in Birmingham will have some of the highest ranked pitching prospects in the White Sox organization and the entire minor leagues, as Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, and Grant Taylor will all open the season in the Birmingham rotation.
In 2024, the Barons had an insane rotation that included Drew Thorpe, Jairo Iriarte, Mason Adams, Ky Bush, and Jake Eder, which gave them the best rotation in the minor leagues as most pitchers got off to a fantastic start and didn't look back. While it may be hard to top their statistical achievements, this rotation may be even better, as the stuff between Smith, Schultz, and Taylor is truly unreal.
However, the pitching staff isn't the only part of the team that will have some intriguing names, as Elijah Evans reports that William Bergolla will also start the season in AA, which is a very nice development. Bergolla was acquired by the White Sox at the trade deadline in exchange for Tanner Banks. Bergolla had a nice Spring Training after playing well with the Dash after the trade.
In 76 at-bats for the Dash, Bergolla hit .316 with a .386 OBP. He added two triples, 11 RBIs, and nine stolen bases. In a short stint, these are impressive numbers and encouraging to see. Now, Bergolla is rewarded with a promotion to AA.
2023 first round pick Jacob Gonzalez looks likely to open the season with the Barons again, as he has had an up and down career in the minor leagues to this point. In 94 games with the Barons last season, Gonzalez hit .225 with five homeruns and 42 RBIs. This isn't what you're looking for out of your first round pick, but he is still only 22 so there is plenty of room for improvement.
Wikelman Gonzalez, the sole pitcher acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade looks primed to start with the Barons, as he had a very solid season in AA with the Red Sox affiliate. Gonzalez has major league stuff but needs to work on his control. If he can fix that, watch out.
While the Barons were champions last season, the team this year looks to be just as exciting. Be sure to keep up with the Barons games as there will be plenty of players ready to play in Chicago very soon.
