2015 in review: How top White Sox prospects fared in minors

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The White Sox haven’t had the 2015 season everyone dreamed of and with the team officially eliminated from the playoffs, it’s time to look ahead. 

While the South Siders may make a few additions in the offseason via free agency or trade, their farm system has developed some talent this year that could influence future moves.

Let’s take a look at how some of the top prospects in the system, according to MLBPipeline.com, did in 2015. 

[NBC SHOP: Gear up, White Sox fans!]

1. Tim Anderson, SS (Class-AA: .312 BA, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 49 SB)

It’s no secret Anderson has been a prospect the White Sox have wanted to hold on to. Anderson took the next step in Birmingham this year, posting his best stats in the minor leagues so far. His display of speed on the base paths should be especially enticing for the White Sox front office, considering nobody on the major league team has over 17 stolen bases on the year. The only flaw Anderson still needs to work on, however, is his fielding as he posted only a .952 fielding percentage this year in Double-A. 

2. Carson Fulmer, P (Class-A+: 22 IP, 2.05 ERA, 25 K)

The No. 8 overall pick in this year’s draft didn’t get a lot of innings in the farm system this year but he certainly made the most of them. The right-hander was very effective at Winston-Salem, posting a 10.2 K/9. Fulmer is heading to the White Sox instructional league this fall and has continued to impress coaches despite his stature. Will he follow in Carlos Rodon’s footsteps? It’s too early to tell but Fulmer is certainly handling the transition from college well. 

3. Frankie Montas, P (Class-AA: 5-5, 112 IP, 2.97 ERA, 108 K)

Montas has already made the jump to the majors thanks to September call-ups. His first start with the White Sox didn’t go well, but his stuff has still been impressing his teammates. Montas provides the White Sox a nice, flexible option considering his electric stuff that could work well out of the bullpen but also his valuable experience as a starter. How the White Sox will use him in the future remains to be seen but Montas’ stuff makes him a piece of the puzzle going forward. 

4. Spencer Adams, P (Class-A: 9-5, 100 IP, 3.24 ERA, 73 K)

Adams, who was drafted out of high school in the 2014 MLB Draft, seems to be settling in nicely in the minor leagues. His solid numbers in Single-A speak for itself but when promoted to Winston-Salem, Adams continued his success, going 3-0 in 29.1 innings of work with a 2.15 ERA. He’s not ready for major-league work yet but the arrow continues to point up for Adams. 

5. Micah Johnson, 2B (Class-AAA: .315, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 28 SB) 

Johnson can hit. That’s never been any question about that. It’s always been about how he does in the field that’s prevented him from becoming a key component of the White Sox future. With the offense struggling as much as it is, it’s hard to see the White Sox keeping him in the minors. The question now becomes can he improve his defense and beat out Carlos Sanchez for the starting second baseman spot. 

6. Trey Michalczewski, 3B (Class-A+: .259 BA, 7 HR, 75 RBI)

Drafted out of high school in the 2013 MLB Draft, Michalczewski showed he can be a run producer in the minors with his RBI total. His power doesn’t leap out to anyone, especially with a .395 slugging percentage and his defense will need to improve (.934 percent). He’s still raw considering he’s only 20 but 2016 is a big year to show the White Sox front office if he’s someone they can count on in the future. 

7. Tyler Danish, P (Class-AA: 8-12, 4.50 ERA, 142 IP, 90 K)

2015 wasn’t extremely kind to Danish as he had a rough time with the Birmingham Barons. The right-hander posted his worst ERA in the minors since being drafted in 2013. One bad year isn’t a legitimate reason to panic over a prospect, but the team will need to see a bounce back year from Danish in order to count on him in the future. 

8. Micker Adolofo, OF (Rookie League: .253 BA, 0 HR, 10 RBI)

Adolfo fractured his fibula over the summer and will miss some time. He’s expected to be back by spring training. Adolfo’s still very young and the White Sox like his potential, but he’s going to need to get healthy before the team can really evaluate him going forward. 

9. Courtney Hawkins, OF (Class-AA: .243 BA, 9 HR, 41 RBI)

Things just haven’t clicked for Hawkins since being drafted in the first round by the White Sox in the 2012 MLB Draft. His powers numbers dropped off this year from 19 home runs to nine and just hasn’t been the same since his promising first year in the minors. It’s safe to wonder if Hawkins has become a bust. 

10. Jacob May, OF (Class-AA: .275 BA, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 37 SB)

May flashed the leather and the speed this year for the Barons. His fielding percentage was .991 in 2015 and his numbers on the base paths were solid. He’s not a guy who can hit for power but could be one who adds a quality glove and provide value on the bases. 

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