The White Sox won’t waste any time to learn about new acquisition Charlie Tilson.
The New Trier High School product is expected to be promoted to the big leagues on Tuesday and join the team in Detroit two days after he was acquired, general manager Rick Hahn said. The outfielder, a second-round draft pick in 2011, was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Zach Duke on Sunday. The White Sox sent outfielder J.B. Shuck to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday to make room for Tilson.
“High character kid, plus speed, solid defense, very good bat-to-ball skills,” Hahn said. “We think he has a chance to potentially be an everyday guy out there in center, but it will come down to how that bat progresses.”
[MORE: Why White Sox stayed quiet at trade deadline]
Two scouts said Sunday they see Tilson as a fourth outfielder based on his bat.
MLB.com has Tilson ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the White Sox system. While it rates Tilson’s hit tool as a 55 on the 20-80 scale, his power is only at 30. At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, it’s doubtful Tilson, 23, would ever hit for power. But Tilson has proven to be a disciplined contact hitter in five minor league seasons. He has a career .293/.346/.392 slash line in 2085 plate appearances.
“There is certainly … a power element that is the one tool behind the others,” Hahn said. “In time we feel he could play an important role on a very good team. The extent of that role, we’ll figure out together in the coming months as he gets an opportunity.”
MLB
Tilson can play all three outfield positions. Hahn said he’d see a good amount of his playing time in center field to start.