Grading The White Sox Top Prospects This Season: No. 9, Ky Bush

Ky Bush was included in the Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez deal at the deadline, getting sent over with Edgar Quero. This was a nice addition, as he could be a very solid end-of-the-rotation lefty for the White Sox in the near future. 

Bush, a second-round pick of the Angels in the 2021 draft from St. Mary’s College in California, has had an up-and-down minor-league career so far. After getting drafted, he would go straight to High A ball for the Angels and he performed pretty well. He would post a 4.5 ERA over five starts, striking out 20 batters over just 12 innings. He got hit decently hard, as hitters hit .292 against him. He kept the walks relatively down, as he walked five. Regardless, this is a very solid season for someone who is getting their first action in professional baseball.

The Angels were clearly impressed as they would promote him to AA after just 12 innings in professional baseball. This fits in with the Angels' philosophy, as they like to push players through the system they think can handle it. They even promoted their first-round pick this year to the majors towards the end of the season. 

Bush would prove them right as he absolutely dominated AA. Over 21 starts he would throw 103 innings of 3.67 ERA baseball. This is really good for his first full season in pro baseball. He would strike out 101 batters, holding them to a .237 average. He only walked 29 batters, which kept his WHIP low, only sitting at 1.18. These stats are the reason why the White Sox targeted him at the trade deadline. 

Unfortunately, 2023 was a rough year for Bush, as he was injured and it was clear he was battling through injuries even when he did play. He only threw 30 innings before the trade to the Sox, not looking like himself. 

It was a rough go at Birmingham for Bush as well, as he would start nine games for the Sox, throwing 41 innings. He would post a 6.70 ERA with a 1.68 WHIP over 41 innings. He got hit around a bit as hitters hit .293 against him. He would finish off the year pretty strong, which is a good sign for this year. These struggles this year would give him a C+ for the season, but if he can return to his pre-injury self, this season won’t matter at all. 

Bush is a tall lefty with a devastating slider and a mid-90s fastball. The fact he is a lefty is very nice, as that is something the White Sox have desperately looking for. If he can impress in Spring Training, there is a chance he could make his debut at some point in 2024. If he is truly healthy and his performances line up with 2022, rather than 2023, this could be a rare lopsided trade in the White Sox favor.