These Barons Standouts Are Making A Serious Case For A Call-Up

Despite the White Sox having one of the worst records in the league in 2025, they look like a much better baseball team compared to last year, as there have been plenty of close games that could have gone either way.

This leads fans to look into the minor leagues for success stories of players who may be joining the team in Chicago when they are in their window for contention. We take a look at the AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, the Birmingham Barons, and see who has been playing well to start the season, as these players could be on the move to Charlotte sooner rather than later.

We covered former first round pick Jacob Gonzalez's hot start yesterday, so we take a look at his Barons' teammates who are off to a good start.

William Bergolla

Bergolla was acquired at the trade deadline last season in the Tanner Banks deal and has looked very good in the White Sox organization so far. While he is in the midst of a small slump, he still has a very good stat-line this season, as he was off to a fantastic start.

In 41 games this season, Bergolla is hitting .265 with a .329 OBP.

William Bergolla, with the RBI triple, ties the game and Wilfred Veras with the walk-off single as the Barons win 4-3 in 10 innings over the Lookouts last night. pic.twitter.com/rtLITLZH50

— Birmingham Barons (@BhamBarons) May 16, 2025

Bergolla has added 11 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. While he doesn't hit much for power, he doesn't strikeout much, as he has 12 walks to just 14 strikeouts, which is very impressive through 41 games. Bergolla is only 20 years old in AA so he is much younger than the average player. This is a very solid start and there is a solid chance that Bergolla finds himself in Chicago at some point over the next few years.

Rikuu Nishida

Nishida was the White Sox 11th round pick in the 2023 draft and has had a very nice minor league career so far, especially this year, his first extended action with the Barons.

In 38 games with the Barons, Nishida is hitting .254 but he has an impressive .373 OBP.

Rikuu Nishida singles through a truck sized gap on the right side after singles from Adam Hackenberg and Jacob Burke. #Barons tie it up at 2. pic.twitter.com/dceJN8uUul

— FutureSox (@FutureSox) May 25, 2025

Nishida isn't going to add much power to the lineup, as he only has one career minor league homerun. However, Nishida is a very good contact hitter and takes his walks. So far, Nishida has walked 20 times compared to just 26 strikeouts, which is a very good ratio.

When Nishida is on base he also steals a ton, as he already has 17 stolen bases. This should put him on pace for well over 40 stolen bases this year. Nishida is 24 and played college baseball at Oregon so if there is some infield movement at AAA, he could be on the move to Charlotte.

Grant Taylor

Taylor has been the talk of the minor league organization, as there was a controversial shift of him to the bullpen, but he has taken on that task and done better than anyone expected.

Since moving to the bullpen, Taylor has pitched five scoreless innings, surrendering just one hit.

Grant Taylor pitched the B7 tonight for the #Barons. All I had to do was change the date and the # on the Hold from last time. 1 inning of hitless scoreless relief. 2K's. pic.twitter.com/bvGHK4aX8F

— FutureSox (@FutureSox) May 24, 2025

If that didn't impress you, Taylor has struck out 10 batters, which is good for an elite 18K/9 ratio. What makes that ratio even better is the fact that Taylor hasn't walked a single batter since moving to the bullpen, which can make an already good receiver significantly more effective.

Taylor will fly through the minors if he keeps this up and there is a good chance we see him in Chicago later this year.

While the Barons' star power is on the pitching side, there are some decent bats that could make an impact in Chicago, as Nishida and Bergolla have had very solid starts to the 2025 season.