White Sox DFA Former Top Prospect

In a surprising move, the White Sox have designated former infield prospect José Rodríguez for assignment, per Francys Romero. The team released another former top prospect in Yoelqui Céspedes not too long ago, and Rodríguez is following the same path. The future of one of the top infield prospects in the White Sox farm system is now up in the air.

Rodríguez's Past Success

A $50,000 signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Rodríguez steadily progressed through the White Sox system and shot up prospect lists over the last several years. In the lower levels of the minors, Rodríguez was quite good. He hit .301 with 14 home runs, 27 doubles, and a .807 OPS in 113 games between the A, A+, and AA levels in 2021. While he took a step back in 2022, he was still productive, hitting .280 with 11 home runs and a .770 OPS in 104 AA games. At one point, Rodríguez was the #3 prospect in the White Sox system and looked to have a bright future in Chicago.

Rodríguez's Tough 2023 Season

Unfortunately for Rodríguez, last season was not as successful for him. While he stole 31 bases in 106 games between the AA and AAA levels last season, he only hit .262 with a .729 OPS. He still displayed power, hitting 21 home runs, but his BB% fell off a cliff and struck out at a higher rate than he did in the past. Rodríguez did appear in one game for the White Sox in 2023, but it was only as a pinch runner, and he did not receive a plate appearance. He entered the 2024 season as the White Sox #17 prospect per MLB.com's rankings.

Rodríguez's lack of progress and development in 2023 was almost certainly a factor in why he was on the chopping block and was DFAed. But given that Rodríguez is still only 22, it seems puzzling why the White Sox organization would DFA him now. While he did not have a great 2023 season, he is still a talented young player. Rodríguez was almost two years younger than the average AA player and over four years younger than the average AAA player last season. He will likely improve over time as he gets older and more experienced.

Surprising Decision

Considering his age and past success, it seems unlikely that Rodríguez will clear waivers and remain in the White Sox organization. Another team will likely either claim him or trade for him. It feels like a quick and rash decision to move on from Rodríguez this soon. After all, the White Sox have several players on the 40-man roster who are DFA-worthy if necessary, and it is not like the infielders at the MLB level are lighting the world on fire. Rodríguez likely would have gotten a chance in the majors at some point this season with the White Sox, but now that is up in the air. 

The White Sox infield depth has improved recently, led by top prospects Colson Montgomery and Bryan Ramos. Lenyn Sosa and Jacob Gonzalez could be factors as well. They have all leapfrogged Rodríguez in the eyes of the White Sox organization. Unlike his predecessors, Chris Getz appears to have no issue moving on from players he does not like. Only time will tell if this is a good decision.