If the White Sox need an answer for second base in 2024, perhaps they should look no further than the “haul” of prospects they got from the Red Sox in the trade for Garrett Crochet.
Not at the top of the pile, where catcher Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery, the No. 25 and 54 prospects per MLB Pipeline sit, respectively, but further below where Chase Meidroth sits. Meidroth, 23, ranked No. 13 among Sox prospects, played for Triple-A Worcester all last season and fashioned a .439 on-base percentage using a sharp batter’s eye and approach, and while he says shortstop might be his favorite position, his soft hands could be a better fit at second base. He was Double-A Portland’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Besides, the Sox' top position player prospect, Colson Montgomery (No. 37 on the top 100) could break spring training as the Opening Day shortstop. And talent evaluators say Meidroth’s arm is better suited for second, although he played shortstop (51 games), second (19) and third base (35) this year.
Nicky Lopez earned Gold Glove consideration during his one season with the Sox in 2024, but rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A Charlotte and elected free agency. Brooks Baldwin played in 33 games during his first season, 24 at second base, and batted .211/.250/.316 after batting .324/.391/.460 in 82 games between Double-A and Triple-A.
While Medroith, a fourth-round draft pick out of San Diego in 2022, profiles as a utility infielder, the rebuilding Sox’ current state offers him a fair shot at winning a starting spot in spring training.
“I’m fired up,” Meidroth said of the opportunity. “It’s obviously what every player wants to hear. I’m not looking toward the regular season. I’ve got to get out to spring training first and take it day by day out in Arizona.”
When he found out about the trade from the playoff-contending Red Sox to a team that set a modern day record for defeats in 2024, Meidroth said he was “pretty fired up.”
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity I’m being given by the White Sox,” he said. “I’m fired up for what’s to come.”
One scouting report said this of Medroith: “Smaller, undersized frame. Limited athleticism. Minimal remaining projection. Does not have the typical look of a baseball player.” Meidroth’s offseason goal is to get stronger and more athletic, his surfing skills learned at the University of San Diego notwithstanding.
“Let that come not by forcing it but by putting in that time in the gym and to create that power moving forward,” he said.
Meidroth was a Triple-A All-Star after batting .293/.437/.401 with seven homers, 20 doubles, seven home runs and 105 walks that led the minor leagues in 2024. He stole 13 bases. The .437 on-base percentage ranked third in the minors.
Working counts and getting on base, which was ingrained in him by San Diego coach Bob Ungricht, is his calling card, though.
“It’s just leaning into my strengths,” Meidroth said. “I’ve always been a pretty decent bat-to-ball guy. I kind of figured out my whole approach when I got to college. [Ungricht’s] entire hitting philosophy, I really bought into it. I’m really happy and really grateful for where he’s brought me in this game and led me to where I’m at.”
Meidroth said he fell in love with having long at-bats and being a table setter this summer.
“I was hitting leadoff every day,” he said. “My goal is getting up there and seeing if I can have a long at-bat and set up the next two or three guys behind me and we can start a little rally. By the end of the first inning, maybe the pitcher has 20-plus pitches instead of a quick inning. I kind of read the situation a lot depending on how I’m trying to control the at-bat.”
Sounds like a guy who knows how to play the game right. The Sox should have room on the roster for one of those.
“He’s knocking at the door,” Getz said.
