Chicago White Sox Could Be Counting on Top Prospect in Right Field in 2023

With a potential opening in right field, Cuban outfielder Oscar Colas — the no. 85 prospect in all of baseball per MLB Pipeline — could be a difference maker for the Chicago White Sox in his rookie season in 2023.

Spring Training is just weeks away, and the Chicago White Sox have a pair of positions that seem to be open.

The club appears to not have yet figured out a solution at second base. The White Sox traded former top prospect Nick Madrigal midway through the 2021 season to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Craig Kimbrel, in their championship pursuit. Last season, veteran Josh Harrison served as a stopgap. Harrison recently signed a contract to play for the Philadelphia Phillies. The White Sox missed out on signing Tommy La Stella, who was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants last month. The club has engaged in conversations with their division rival, the Kansas City Royals, about acquiring infielder Nicky Lopez. Some think the Sox could bring back Madrigal, engaging in another trade with the North Siders after the Cubs signed Dansby Swanson to a seven-year, $177 million contract.

But what is the team's plan for right field? Currently, Gavin Sheets is listed at the top of the club's depth chart. Sheets was a below average defensive outfielder in 2022 (-9 DRS in right field). When the White Sox signed Andrew Benintendi and let go of Jose Abreu, with intentions to move Andrew Vaughn back to his natural position at first base, the team gestured that it was looking to improve defensively, after finishing 26th in Defensive Runs Saved in 2022, with -35.

Benintendi should take over left field, with Eloy Jimenez serving as the club's primary designated hitter.

Unless the Sox plan to sign a free agent or make a trade for a corner outfielder, it appears their plan will be for Gavin Sheets to split time at the position with Leury Garcia, until one of their top prospects is ready to take over.

Enter, Oscar Colas. Colas is a 24-year-old outfielder from Cuba. He's currently ranked as the no. 85 prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline.

Colas excelled across three levels — High-A, Double-A and Triple-A — in 2022, slashing .314/.371/.895 with 23 home runs and 79 RBI. Colas saw a promotion to Triple-A near the end of the season, and in seven games he made his presence known, batting .387 with a .424 On Base Percentage and 1.069 OPS.

Colas may need to see a little more time at Triple-A Charlotte before receiving a big league promotion, but if he continues on the trajectory he is currently on, his bat could give the White Sox a much-needed boost in 2023.

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