Chicago White Sox: Analyzing Prospects 16-18

Continuing our series of previewing the Chicago White Sox Top-30 prospects, prospects number 16-18 are three of the most major-league ready in the system.

Charlie Tilson, Ian Clarkin and Ryan Cordell were all acquired in trades involving relief pitchers in the last year.

Now all three are top prospects in the top farm system in baseball. Some development, huh?

Another thing that these three have in common is that they all have the potential to make a big impact at the major league level. All three players will almost certainly spend time in the big leagues this season, and all three seem to be crucial pieces in future success.

More from Da Windy City

• Juan Soto appears headed to the Yankees which is not a big blow Chicago Cubs offseason
• 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
• Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
• The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
• Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates

#18: Ryan Cordell

Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Anthony Swarzak trade last July, Ryan Cordell has had a huge spring training.

The 25 year-old outfielder is hitting .342 with eight RBIs in 41 at-bats so far. In tight competition with Adam Engel (who is hitting .317) for the starting center field spot, Cordell looks to make a big impact in the major leagues this season.

Cordell hit .284 in Triple-A before the trade, but didn’t record an at-bat with the Charlotte Knights due to a back injury.

Cordell hits the ball well, doesn’t strike out often, is quick on the base paths and has a solid arm. The young outfielder has put all of the above on display this spring, which could be what eventually lands him the starting job over Engel.

Even if he doesn’t win the starting spot, Cordell will likely be kept on the Opening Day roster as the White Sox fourth outfielder. It’s safe to say that Cordell is a sure thing to play in the big leagues sooner rather than later in 2018 and beyond.

#17: Ian Clarkin

Acquired from the New York Yankees alongside Blake Rutherford in the Tommy Kahnle trade, Ian Clarkin looked to have regained his form in the minor leagues last season.

The 2014 first-rounder pitched to a combined 2.60 ERA with a 4-5 record in 17 starts at High-A. Clarkin has not pitched in a full season yet due to a multitude of injuries, but given his age (23) and hot spring (no runs allowed in six innings), Clarkin will likely make his Major League Debut one way or the other this season.

Clarkin has not started a game yet this spring, working a few games out of the bullpen and notching a save. It’ll be interesting to see if the White Sox continue to utilize Clarkin out of the ‘pen more often, which would speed up his progression and clear a more realistic path for him.

As for now, Clarkin certainly won’t make the major league roster out of camp. But a good first half of the minor league season, coupled by a few injury-free months should be enough for Clarkin to get the call by late August.

One of just two lefties on this list, Clarkin is a serious sleeper for the coming years on the South Side.

#16: Charlie Tilson

Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in the Zach Duke trade in 2016, Charlie Tilson has had a rough stint with the Chicago White Sox.

The 2011 2nd-round pick out of New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois tore his hamstring in his MLB debut with the White Sox, and missed all of last season with a foot injury.

It seems that Tilson is healthy now and is ready to make an impact. The speedy centerfielder has struggled so far this spring with a .167 batting average, but Tilson has made strides in camp and has been able to stay healthy.

Tilson will spend at least the first month of 2018 in Triple-A before becoming a serious call-up candidate. If TIlson can regain his form from 2016 and stay healthy, he should meet Cordell in the White Sox outfield in no time.

The next two seasons will be huge for Tilson, as he will need to prove his worth with the organization before big name prospects Luis Robert and Blake Rutherford take his spot in the outfield. If Tilson can get on base and play plus defense, he’ll easily find a way to stay on the field and make an impact.

Next: Chicago White Sox: Reviewing 19-21

Ian Clarkin, Charlie Tilson and Ryan Cordell are three names to know before Opening Day next week. Only one will play in the first week, but by the end of the season all three should have seen time in the big leagues.

These three players are three players whose impact should be felt immediately, as they’ve been given the time to develop over the span of a few seasons.

If all three stay healthy, you could be looking at three of the next premier play makers on the South Side.