The White Sox had the second pick in this year's Rule-5 draft, as they looked to recreate the success from last year's draft. In the last draft, they got significant contributions out of their pick, Shane Smith, as well as fellow draft pick, Mike Vasil, who the White Sox traded for right before the season.
With the second pick in the draft, the White Sox selected Jedixson Perez, a starting pitcher from the Boston Red Sox organization. Perez now ranks 15th on the White Sox top-30 prospect list according to MLB Pipeline. The White Sox were not done, as they made a selection in the second round, the only team to do so.
With their pick in the second round, they selected another pitcher, Alexander Alberto, from the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Alberto seems to be another high ceiling selection, as he has an electric fastball that can hit triple digits.
Alberto, now 24 years old, spent most of his time with the High-A affiliate of the Rays last season, throwing 35 innings of 2.83 ERA baseball. He struck out 45 batters, walked 17, and held batters to a .224 average. These are solid stats, as he had a very good season. The only concern is the fact that Alberto has not pitched above High-A, as the move from one of the lower levels of minor league baseball all the way to the pros could be a significant jump.
Alexander Alberto, selected in the 2nd Rd of the R5 from Tampa. The 6'8" RHP is 3p pitcher with a FB that tops out at 100MPH, a Cutter at 97, and a low 90's SL. He is pretty tough to square on. Alberto had a 1.17 WHIP in almost 50IP mostly in Adv A in '25. pic.twitter.com/vZopyhHJYM
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) December 10, 2025
However, this could be a worthwhile risk. Alberto has a 70 grade fastball according to MLB Pipeline, and now ranks as the 21st best prospect in the White Sox organization. Additionally, he has drawn comparisons to an all-star closer.
The White Sox took a flier on some serious arm talent in Alexander Alberto 🔥https://t.co/psuBHXyLjY pic.twitter.com/pAdrYv2dnE
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) December 10, 2025
As you can see above, J.J. Cooper from Baseball America notes that Alberto's 100 MPH cutter gives minor glimpses of all-star closer Emmanuel Clase. While it is not a full on comparison, it is always good to be compared to a pitcher with Clase's stuff.
While most teams tend to pick players in the upper minors in the Rule-5 draft, the White Sox went with some high ceiling picks in the draft yesterday, which could pay off big. They will likely have to live with growing pains if they want to keep the players they selected, as not many players make the jump from High-A straight to the majors. However, if one of the two picks pans out, that would be a significant win.
The White Sox will have plenty of innings to eat in the bullpen, so Alberto will get every chance to show what he can do. Alberto is 24, so he is at least a bit older than your typical High-A player, which could bode well for a transition to the major leagues. He clearly has a major league arsenal, so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the major leagues.
The White Sox will lose nothing by trying out Alberto, as worst case scenario, he is returned to the Rays organization. However, if he puts a similar season up to Shane Smith or Mike Vasil, Chris Getz will need a ton of praise for continuing to get valuable players for free.
