Jacob Gonzalez taken 15th overall by Chicago White Sox

Teammates will be reunited at the professional level as Jacob Gonzalez will join Tim Elko in the Chicago White Sox organization. Gonzalez becomes just the eighth Rebel ever taken in the first round and the third highest selection in school history.

So what is the current state of the White Sox organization? How fast could he rise in the minors?

Well the major league team is in absolute shambles:

This is a perfect example of how the season is going for them. Scouts are slightly concerned about his range as a Major League short stop but the Sox top prospect is third baseman/shortstop Colson Montgomery.

A handful of their other top prospects are also middle infielders. Lenyn Sosa has already gotten a taste of Major League action but they are not sold on him as a shortstop. Jose Rodriguez, Ryan Burrows and Jordan Sprinkle are guys that Gonzalez will have to outperform on his way.

Gonzalez will likely head immediately to Arizona to play in the Arizona Complex League for Chicago’s Rookie Ball team before possibly joining Tim Elko in Winston-Salem for some High-A ball.

The White Sox infield is underwhelming to say the least. Tim Anderson is statistically one of the worst hitters in baseball this season and Elvis Andrus is almost aged out. Zach Remillard is just a place holder until some of the prospects are ready.

If you were unaware, Chicago’s Double-A team is in Birmingham, home of the Birmingham Barons (yes, Michael Jordan played for them). I would anticipate both Elko and Gonzalez to play for Birmingham together at some point in late 2024/early 2025. So plan your road trips accordingly.