With the MLB All-Star break upon us, marking the half-way point of the season, it begins to become more clear which teams are in the running for the playoffs and which teams are likely not in that same picture.
For the teams who likely won’t make the playoffs the focus shifts from winning games to developing and calling up prospects in the hopes of a playoff push in future years.
Heading into the second half of the season the Chicago White Sox have a number of prospects that could get called up before the season comes to an end.
Lucas Giolito
Giolito came to the Chicago White Sox in a trade from the Washington Nationals.
So far this season Giolito is 3-8 with an ERA of 4.98 and 2 complete game shutouts over 90 innings. Giolito has shown some flashes but has been far from consistent this season, but if he can lower his ERA and pitch more consistently might get some time in the majors.
Carson Fulmer
Carson Fulmer has struggled on the mound so far this season. In 82.2 innings, Fulmer has an ERA of 5.55 and 62 strikeouts with a record of 6-5.
Fulmer was called up straight from AA last season and ended with an ERA of 8.49 during that stint, struggling in his first action in the big leagues.
Once Fulmer has had a little more time to figure out AAA batters don’t be surprised to see him in a White Sox uniform once again, plus he’s on the White Sox’s 40-man roster.
He could find himself making the 2018 opening day roster with a strong showing in September.
Zach Burdi
Zach Burdi has 33.1 innings and 29 total relief appearances.
In that time he’s struck out 51 batters and has an ERA of 4.05. Burdi has been the anchor for the AAA Charlotte Knights bullpen all season and if the White Sox move relievers Anthony Swarzak or Tommy Kahnle at the trade deadline then Burdi might get a call up to fill one of those spots.
Chicago would love to have a guy like Burdi come in and show he’s capable of being a go-to reliever for the future.
Michael Kopech
Michael Kopech was one of the prospects sent over from the Boston Red Sox this offseason in the Chris Sale trade.
So far in 16 starts over 78.1 innings has an ERA of 4.02 and has already thrown over 100 strikeouts plus was named the starter for the AA Southern League all-star game. He had a nice showing in the MLB Future’s game, striking out fellow White Sox prospect Yoan Moncada.
Kopech has shown tremendous promise in AA ball this season and it is almost certain to get called up at least to AAA before the season is over, but if he keeps up the strong showing in Charlotte he could very well make it to the MLB before season’s end also.
He throws straight gas and could be very valuable as a member of the White Sox rotation in the future.
Yoan Moncada
Yoan Moncada was the centerpiece for the Boston/Chris Sale trade. In 73 games this season Moncada has a batting average of .282, is 3rd on the team in home runs with 11, and again is 3rd on the team in RBI’s with 33.
Moncada has shown that he can both bat and play the infield consistently throughout the season and many view it as only a matter of time before he gets set up to the majors, especially since current White Sox infielder Todd Frazier is one of the more likely White Sox players to get moved at the deadline.
Despite struggling while being called up last season in Boston, Moncada seems ready for the big leagues.
It’s very likely that White Sox fans will be able to see the future of the franchise late this season.
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
