White Sox 2024 Draft Picks Are Already Impressing

The 2024 season for the White Sox is shaping up to be one of the worst in Major League history. However, there is a bright side, as the farm system is looking like it might one of the best in recent White Sox history. While that doesn't help the team now, it is still encouraging to see.

Now, the minor league system has gotten another boost, as the 2024 draft picks have started making their debuts. While we still wait on first round pick Hagen Smith's debut, others are impressing early. Let's take a look at which players have looked the part so far:

Kannapolis

Most of the players who have debuted are in Low-A Kannapolis, as that is where most players begin their minor league career.

Nathan Archer, an outfielder from Bowling Green, is off to a great start in his short minor league career. In six games (19 ABs), Archer is hitting .316 with a .381 OBP. He has one RBI and two doubles. While it is still early, it is nice to see a the middle round picks showing they belong.

Lyle Miller-Green is one of the more interesting prospects in the White Sox draft class, as he could be a phenomenal power hitter. Taken in the 17th round from Austin Peay, Miller-Green has already shown off his power as he hit a home run in one of his first games. He is still getting adjusted to the minor leagues, but he hasn't looked overwhelmed at all.

TJ McCants, an outfielder from Alabama, is now the first 2024 prospect to hit his second homer. This is done in not nearly as many as at-bats as some of the other players, as he has just played in two games. They might have to start playing him more, as he has three hits in eight at-bats.

While Sam Antonacci hasn't produced so far, he's due for some hits, as he is consistently putting the ball in play. In 21 at-bats, he has only struck out two times. The ability to put the ball in play at this rate is great to see for someone just beginning their professional career. It is only a matter of time before some hits start going his way.

Winston-Salem

As of right now, the only 2024 draft member on the Winston-Salem Dash is Casey Saucke, the 4th round pick from Virginia. When Hagen Smith and Nick McLain make their debut, they will likely join Saucke in High-A Winston-Salem.

So far, promoting Saucke right to A+ ball was a good move, as he has looked like he belongs. While the numbers aren't overly impressive, he still has a respectable .231 average for his first 13 professional at-bats. Like Antonacci, he has also been consistently putting the ball in play, which will bode well in the future.

The most important thing for the 2024 draft class is to get their feet underneath them. They will only be playing a month or so of affiliated ball, so this is a good way for them to get acclimated. Next year will be the true test for most of them, as they will play a full season. It will also be the first time we will get to see the high schoolers play in affiliated ball, as they will likely stick in Arizona for the rest of the year.

Regardless, it is good to see most of the players off to a good start to their professional careers.