The other day, I wrote about the deep group of young starting pitching prospects the White Sox have accumulated recently and how that bodes well for the team’s future. The improved pitching depth within the organization consists of more than just starting pitchers, as the White Sox have several intriguing reliever prospects as well. Given how bad the White Sox MLB bullpen is right now, it is time to learn more about some relievers we could see in Chicago sooner rather than later.
Jordan Leasure is the most well-known of the bullpen options currently in the minors considering he has spent a good portion of the season with the White Sox MLB team. The 25-year-old was sent down recently as a “reset” to get him on a specific schedule in AAA, which has worked so far. He has not allowed a run in three appearances with Charlotte so far. While he is not a finished product yet, we will see Leasure back in Chicago soon.
Prelander Berroa was acquired from the Mariners as part of the Gregory Santos trade earlier this year. His stats in AAA this season look ugly overall, but they have been trending in the right direction lately. Despite having an ERA over 7.00 on the season, the 24-year-old Berroa has a 2.53 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 12.3 K/9 in his last ten outings, thanks partly to his 70-grade fastball and slider. Control is sometimes an issue for Berroa, but he is trending in the right direction. The White Sox will likely call him up later this season.
Josimar Cousin signed with the White Sox in May 2023 and has been in the minors since. Initially a starting pitcher, Cousin struggled in that role last season. He was even designated for assignment in mid-April this year. Cousin ended up clearing waivers and remained with the White Sox organization, which was a blessing in hindsight. He has thrived since becoming a reliever, pitching to a 0.53 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, and 10.1 K/9 in 14 appearances between the AA and AAA levels this season. At 26 years old, Cousin will get the call to the big leagues sooner rather than later.
Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa was acquired from the Rangers earlier this season as part of the Robbie Grossman trade. He has been exceptional this season, as the 23-year-old has a 1.85 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 11.8 K/9 in 21 combined appearances between the Rangers and White Sox AA affiliates. Like Berroa, the fastball and slider are Hoopii-Tuionetoa’s best pitches. He will likely be promoted to AAA later this season. We could see him in the White Sox bullpen next year.
Eric Adler was drafted by the White Sox in the sixth round of the 2022 draft from Wake Forest University. The 23-year-old has gradually worked up the system and is now at the AA level. In 25 appearances between High-A and AA, Adler has a 1.40 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 11.2 K/9 and is now the closer for the AA Birmingham Barons, one of the best teams in all the minor leagues. Adler is on a similar trajectory to Hoopii-Tuionetoa. We will see him in Chicago sometime next season.
Garrett Schoenle is a 26-year-old left-hander having a solid season in the White Sox farm system. In 18 appearances between High-A, AA, and AAA, he has a 1.72 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 12.1 K/9. Tanner Banks is a trade candidate, and Schoenle is a logical candidate to replace him in the White Sox bullpen.
Bryce Collins is older for a High-A pitcher at 23 years old, but he has had a fantastic season. Between Low-A and High-A, Collins has a 2.03 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a ridiculous 16.9 K/9 in 22 appearances. He is another name to keep an eye on.
Other potential reliever prospects in the system that we could see in Chicago at some point include 26-year-olds Chase Plymell and Fraser Ellard, 25-year-old Adisyn Coffey, 25-year-old Tristan Stivors, and 23-year-old Andrew Dalquist.
The White Sox current bullpen stinks, and they will have to spend at least some money on proven bullpen arms for next season. Thankfully, though, reinforcements are coming. The organization has several exciting reliever prospects who could force their way into the equation shortly.
