Sox, long favorites, expected to sign Oscar Colás

Share

Oscar Colás, at one point referred to as the "Cuban Ohtani," is soon expected to join the Chicago White Sox organization.

Despite the ongoing lockout, Major League Baseball's international signing period begins this weekend, and Colás is expected to sign with the White Sox, who have long been described as the favorites to ink the 23-year-old outfielder. Colás has posted pictures of himself wearing White Sox gear on social media, and reports from MLB.com and the Sun-Times have reinforced that such an image will eventually become official.

At one point, Colás was attempting to star as a two-way player, much like reigning American League MVP Shohei Ohtani. He's since dropped the pitching part of his game, though he at one point touched 95 miles an hour with his fastball, and has focused on hitting and playing the outfield, where he can play all three positions.

RELATED: Cuban tradition alive and well, fueling Sox present, future

Playing in the Japanese minor leagues during the 2019 season, Colás, a left-handed hitter, slashed .302/.350/.516. He's expected to be a middle-of-the-order hitter one day.

The expected signing would be a continuation of the White Sox' extremely successful influx of Cuban talent into the organization. A legacy that dates back to middle of the last century with trailblazer and recently elected Hall of Famer Minnie Miñoso has produced several stars currently on the team's major league roster: José Abreu, Luis Robert, Yoán Moncada and Yasmani Grandal, all key pieces for a championship contender. The minors, too, have remained stockpiled with young Cuban players like outfielder Yoelquis Céspedes, infielder Yolbert Sánchez and pitcher Norge Vera.

Céspedes was the White Sox' splashy international signing a year ago, the top ranked player in the Class of 2021. Colás is ranked as the No. 5 prospect in this year's class by MLB.com, the lone non-teenager in the top 50.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Contact Us