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**Right below is the White Sox Risers and Shiners list simplified. Scroll further down for FULL Future Grades, Role, ETA, and summaries on EACH PLAYER ranked on this list! Tons of 2021 Statistics on each player as well! Some player highlights, future outlooks and more enjoy!**
**These will exclude any 2022 draft picks due to the teams already being posted prior to the 2022 Draft**
| Rank | Player | Position | How Acquired |
| 1 | Colson Montgomery | SS | 1st round: 2021 Draft – 22nd Overall |
| 2 | Oscar Colas | OF | International FA Signing 2022 |
| 3 | Norge Vera | RHP | International FA Signing 2021 |
| 4 | Jose Rodriguez | SS/2B | International FA Signing 2018 |
| 5 | Yolequi Cespedes | OF | International FA Signing 2021 |
| Risers | |||
| 1 | Lenyn Sosa | SS | International FA Signing 2016 |
| 2 | Wes Kath | 3B | 2021 Draft: 2nd Round |
| 3 | Wilfred Veras | 1B/3B | International FA Signing 2019 |
| 4 | Jared Kelly | RHP | 2020 Draft: 2nd Round |
| 5 | Matthew Thompson | RHP | 2019 Draft: 2nd Round |
1. Colson Montgomery SS | Winston-Salem Dash (A+)
20-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’4″ | 205 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 45 | 50 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .287 | .396 | .362 | .758 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 19.8% | 11.7% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .074 | 112 | 14.6% | 59.4% | 17.4% | 23.2% | 36.1% | 31.9% | 31.9% |
Scouting Report:
Montgomery started to show the White Sox what he is capable of at the plate in 94 at bats in Rookie ball, as he hit .287 AVG with 11.7% BB%, 19.8% K% and .396 OBP. While Montgomery did not hit any home runs in 2021, most of his future power should come in the form of gap-to-gap power, where his swing allows him to focus on hitting the baseball to all parts of the field. That does not mean he won’t develop any home run power, as he is still young enough were he can continue to add physically strength, and be capable of hitting baseballs over-the-fence. As he continues to grow, it might affect his range and mobility at shortstop, but he does show signs of being able to make the necessary plays to potentially stay there long-term. However, the White Sox could try him out at third base, where the arm strength would fit, or even second base. It might take time and patience before Montgomery is able to play on the South Side of Chicago, but he has the chance to post enough offensive numbers to be a regular, and if he can manage to stick at shortstop, it will only increase his value.
Written By: Patrick Joyce (@PJoyce29)
2. Oscar Colas OF | Birmingham Barons (AA)
23 Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’1″ | 209 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 55 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 5 |
*No stats for the 2021 Season*
Scouting Report:
Oscar Colas has had so much hype around him since he signed with the White Sox this year. He was once said to be “The Cuban Ohtani” but he probably will have limited time on the mound as his bat is a legit powerhouse among his tools. Colas has one of the better eyes I’ve seen and he works the count well. He’ll be power over hit as he has lightning quick hands and a knack for barreling up baseballs. In the end, he swings with a lot of aggression and when he makes contact the ball goes a long way. He’s going to be a quick riser throughout the minors and once he starts making consistent contact he could be in the majors as early as next year and I fully believe that.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
3. Norge Vera RHP | Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (A)
22-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’4″ | 215 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| FB | CB | CH | Control | Role |
| 70 | 60 | 50 | 50 | 5 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 19.0 | 8 | 7 | 0.00 | 0.74 | 49.3% | 7.2% | 0.00 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 48.1% | 0.97 | 78.3% | 17.4% | 4.3% | 33.3% | 12.5% | 54.2% |
Scouting Report:
The Chicago White Sox signed Vera for $1.5 million as a teenager out of Cuba during the 2021 international signing period. He’s got a projectable arm and a good frame that should help him develop into a mid-rotation pitcher. His fastball reaches 100 and sits in the upper-90s and he mixes in a plus curveball that has a lot of depth. He can blow his fastball past hitters up in the zone and his curveball is a swing-and-miss pitch that gets plenty of chases. He’s still developing his command, and while he won’t be a control artist, he won’t walk too many batters either with how many strike outs he’ll accumulate.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
4. Jose Rodriguez SS/2B | Birmingham Barons (AA)
21-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’11” | 175 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 55 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .301 | .338 | .469 | .807 | 14 | 30 | 11 | 14.4% | 5.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .168 | 115 | 14.7% | 45.7% | 21.3% | 33.0% | 41.8% | 28.5% | 29.8% |
Scouting Report:
Jose Rodriguez might be one of the more underrated prospects in the minors. He’s a contact oriented prospect but does have surprising pop for his size. His bat is advanced for his age as he’ll be a high average and high on-base prospect with the ability to hit 15+ home runs a year. I’m fairly confident in saying Rodriguez will be a top of the order bat with the aforementioned and his plus speed. In the end, Rodriguez is someone that White Sox fans should be hyped for as his ability to spray the ball mixed with his combination of solid contact and plus speed will make him an everyday player for the White Sox.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
5. Yoelqui Cespedes OF | Biringham Barons (AA)
24-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’9″ | 205 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 40 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 55 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .285 | .350 | .463 | .813 | 8 | 18 | 6 | 27.8% | 5.4% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .178 | 121 | 20.9% | 41.3% | 26.6% | 32.1% | 48.4% | 25.0% | 26.6% |
Scouting Report:
Yoelqui garners a lot of attention due to his last name. He is the younger brother of Yoenis Cespedes
and signed with Chicago in January of 2021. In his brief minor league career, Cespedes has shown
flashes of greatness. He has excellent bat speed and with some refinements to his approach, he could
put it all together. Cespedes has an aggressive approach at the plate which will likely limit his hit tool at
the big-league level. Although the bat speed is excellent, there is a lot of swing and miss in his game
which leads to concerns over his ability to hit upper level pitching. Cespedes has solid power considering
his 5’9” stature. I project Cespedes to be a .240-.250 batter who can hit around 20 home runs.
Although Cespedes has looked faster this season, I still think he projects as more of a corner outfield.
Cespedes will post better basepath speed than he will defensively. His instincts are nothing spectacular
and the White Sox will likely shift him to one of the corners. His arm is above average and will play well
in the outfield. I do not project Cespedes to ever be a difference maker for Chicago, but with the right
tweaks to his approach he can be a useful big-league player.
Written By: Matt Heckman (@Heckman_Matt115)
Risers:
1. Lenyn Sosa INF | Charlotte Knights (AAA)
22-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 180 lbs. | ETA: 2022
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 50 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .271 | .300 | .401 | .702 | 11 | 3 | 5 | 22.2% | 3.4% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .131 | 88 | 13.1% | 39.2% | 23.8% | 36.9% | 36.5% | 27.3% | 36.2% |
Scouting Report:
Sosa is an interesting prospect to say the least. He’s gotten better and better every season he’s been in pro-ball. Plus, his power has been something to watch develop over time as his power has turned the corner and became a prominent tool in his game. The key for Sosa will be to make more consistent contact as he has tons of swing-and-miss to his game but the end result is still something special for the White Sox. The White Sox have some solid infield prospects coming through the system and Sosa is one of those names to keep a close eye on going forward.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
2. Wes Kath 3B | Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (A)
20-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’3″ | 200 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 45 | 50 | 50 | 45 | 55 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .212 | .287 | .337 | .623 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 36.5% | 7.0% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .125 | 66 | 43.9% | 54.2% | 27.1% | 18.6% | 50.0% | 30.6% | 19.4% |
Scouting Report:
Kath was the White Sox 2021 second-round pick and Kath comes with considerable upside. Whether he’ll hit that ceiling is the real question. I do believe he has a below-average hit tool and average power potential. His main problem is the swing-and-miss to his game as last year he struck out 42 times in 104 at-bats. He’s only 20-years-old so there’s plenty of time for him to be that top power hitting prospect that he was drafted to be. I’ve seen a game where he was intentionally walked three times back when he was in high school so the power is definitely there. However, Kath turning the corner as a prospect will take time but the end result could be a good middle of the order bat.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
3. Wilfred Veras 1B/3B | Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (A)
19-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’2″ | 180 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 55 | 50 | 35 | 50 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .322 | .416 | .533 | .949 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 23.6% | 11.8% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .211 | 147 | 27.3% | 48.6% | 28.0% | 23.4% | 42.7% | 23.6% | 33.6% |
Scouting Report:
The White Sox signed Wilfred Veras in the 2019 international J2 signing period for $200,000 out of the Dominican Republic. He’s a first basemen long term with an average glove. His calling card is his power, and he projects for 25+ bombs a season. He’s got a quick swing and has shown some loud power in the minors, posting an exit velocity of 106 mph earlier in the 2022 season. He should be a decent predecessor for Chicago once Jose Abreu calls it quits.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
4. Matthew Thompson RHP | Winston-Salem Dash (A+)
21-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’3″ | 195 lbs. | ETA:
| FB | CB | CH | Control | Role |
| 55 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 5 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 73.2 | 20 | 20 | 5.99 | 1.68 | 23.4% | 11.4% | 0.98 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 13.6% | 4.92 | 44.5% | 20.9% | 34.6% | 39.5% | 24.7% | 35.8% |
Scouting Report:
Matthew Thompson has the chance to be an innings eater with his frame and pitchability. His fastball sits in the low 90s and hits 96. His curve has 12/6 deception and is a groundball pitch. His control needs some improvement but it isn’t terrible. He can pound his fastball on the corners at times but tends to leave it in hittable parts of the plate when he’s off his game. If he can put all his cards into place, Thompson won’t rack up the most strikeouts in the league, but will put up decent strikeout numbers while keeping his hit per nine down with a solid infield behind him. He’s still a few years away from being a finished product, so there are still question marks about how polished he can become.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
5. Jared Kelley RHP | Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (A)
20-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’3″ | 245 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| FB | CB | CH | SL | Control | Role |
| 70 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 30 | 4 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 23.2 | 12 | 12 | 7.61 | 2.11 | 21.4% | 20.6% | 1.14 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 12.0% | 6.60 | 46.0% | 17.5% | 36.5% | 40.8% | 28.2% | 31.0% |
Scouting Report:
Despite Kelley’s professional career starting off with a rocky start, he’s shown the he can produce ground balls at an efficient rate with his 99-mph fastball on the bump, but struggles locating his pitches. He likes to pitch the corners, but can’t consistently hit them, often times missing outside. Kelley has the ceiling to be a strikeout pitcher who produces a lot of weak ground balls, but it appears he will always struggle with control.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
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