White Sox Farm Report: Birmingham
The White Sox have vastly improved their farm system over the last year and a lot of that talent is showcased at their AA affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. While they are currently known for their pitching staff that has one of the best rotations in the minor leagues, they are also getting a lot of help from the bats, as there are some hitting prospects that will find their way in Chicago shortly, as they make up some of the White Sox top prospects in their system. Let’s take a look at who’s performing well halfway through the minor league season.
Wilfred Veras
One of the lesser known names on the Barons, Veras may have the most power on the team. Currently, Veras has 10 homeruns, which ranks second on the team, only behind Edgar Quero.
Veras isn’t just a power hitter, as he has a very solid slash line so far this season. Currently, he is hitting .267/.297/.432, which is a very solid line. The OBP should be a bit higher, but that could come as he gets a bit older as he is just 21 years old.
Veras also has 14 stolen bases, which is very solid and could be a legit 20/20 threat in the major leagues if he continues to develop. He plays right field, which has been a position that has evaded the White Sox in recent history, so he could potently fill that gap in a year or so.
Veras is a very interesting prospect as he has a very high ceiling. If he can cut down on the strikeouts and take a few more walks, he will undoubtedly be one of the best position players in the White Sox farm system.
Tim Elko
At this point, Tim Elko is a fan favorite of a lot of White Sox fans. After being Captain of his Ole Miss baseball team, the White Sox selected him in the 10th round of the 2022 draft. Since being drafted, all he’s done is mash the ball, and this year is no exception. Right now that is especially the case, as he is currently on a fantastic stretch at the plate.
On the season, he is slashing .309/.352/.458 with an extremely impressive .810 OPS. He has also added seven homeruns, 35 RBIs and a stolen base. He is one of he best hitters on one of the best teams in the minor leagues and he is due for a promotion sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately, Elko is blocked at first base in Chicago, as the White Sox currently have Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets on the roster. However, there could be some movement at the trade deadline that allows Elko to get some playing time in Chicago later this year.
If his bat can translate to Chicago, he could be a very solid DH/1B type for the White Sox, they will just need to clear some room on the roster for him.