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Chicago White Sox: 2018 MLB Draft Big Board

By Jason Kinander

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 26: Head coach Kevin O'Sulivan (L) of the Florida Gators walks to the mound to relieve starting pitcher Brady Singer #51 against the LSU Tigers in the eighth inning during game one of the College World Series Championship Series on June 26, 2017 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - JUNE 26: Head coach Kevin O'Sulivan (L) of the Florida Gators walks to the mound to relieve starting pitcher Brady Singer #51 against the LSU Tigers in the eighth inning during game one of the College World Series Championship Series on June 26, 2017 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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#5: Nick Madrigal

Position: Second Base

School: Oregon State

Nick Madrigal has been the name most associated with the White Sox in the weeks leading up to the draft.

The 5-foot-7 second baseman has drawn comparisons to Dustin Pedroia for his height, grit and ability with the bat.

Madrigal hit a whopping .403 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in 30 games played for the Beavers this past season.

Madrigal is far-and-away the top contact hitter in the draft, striking out just five times all season.

Madrigal has never hit lower than .333 in his three years at Oregon State, making him as close to a “sure thing” as there is in all of the draft in terms of college hitters.

As has been apparent throughout the big board, the major issue with Madrigal is where he would project to play in the future for the White Sox. Yoan Moncada figures to be the second baseman for at least the next decade, and Tim Anderson’s solid season and recent hot streak has done nothing to provide doubt that he’s the shortstop of the future.

But Madrigals special ability in the box and eye-popping stats could be enough to draw the White Sox into picking him at four, worrying about the future later on.

#6: Jonathan India

Position: Third Baseman

School: Florida

The second Florida Gator and the second third-baseman on this list, Jonathan India is one of the most accomplished names on this list.

The Gators third baseman played a big role in leading Florida to the National Title last season, and has played an even bigger role in leading Florida back to the tournament this season, hitting .364 with 18 home runs and 45 RBIs.

Unlike the other hitters on this list, India has a history of issues with plate discipline, striking out over 40 times in each of his three college seasons, and striking out more times this season (48), than Nick Madrigal has all of his career (35).

India is very similar to Alec Bohm in the sense that both look to be expendable defensively, which could be a big deciding factor in the White Sox picking him. The concerns for future playing time could be erased if India looks to fit well into a role at first base or as a designated hitter.

Nevertheless, theres no doubting the talent of Jonathan India, but it’ll be more of a matter of who isn’t available if the White Sox do decide to select him at four.

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