The White Sox have decided to go with first baseman Andrew Vaughn from California with their first round pick, third overall. There was a lot of chatter about whether the Pale Hose would choose CJ Abrams or Vaughn (heck, there was speculation that Adley Rutschman would fall to the Sox), but ultimately the team decided to select Vaughn.
MLB Pipeline Grades
Hit: 60 Power: 60 Run: 30 Arm: 50 Field: 50
Vaughn seemed like a safe pick right from the beginning as he was the best bat in the entire class. His bat is considered to be major league ready or close to it, which suggests there will be quick ascension through the minor leagues. The biggest part of his bat is his power, which is a bit of a shock because he is an undersized player for his position. That being said, he was the PAC-12 Freshman of the Year and even won the Golden Spikes Award in 2018, so he has a pretty strong resume for the third overall pick.
With his power, he also walks more than he strikes out. Some of his power could be attributed to his leg kick. However, what limits his value is he is a first baseman only, but it has been stated that he can play third base and possibly outfield and if he can do that then the White Sox could pounce on that opportunity. While not outstanding, he should be a solid fielder at first base.
What to do with him?
If he can play outfield and third base, then that would be a lot more helpful for the future of the club. While first base is thin in depth in the farm system, there are a few high level players that are considered to play first base in the future. The first one is obviously slugger Jose Abreu, however, despite wanting to improve his defense at the position, Abreu is projected to be a designated hitter as he ages. There is also Gavin Sheets, who has a big bat and is left handed, however, the power has yet to translate in the minor leagues. Then there is Jake Burger, the Sox 2017 First Round draft choice. Burger is currently recovering from an injury and is a third baseman, but with Yoan Moncada now manning the hot corner, there has been thoughts that the team would develop him into a first baseman. They would love to develop him into something because of his big bat, but with Vaughn now drafted and likely to be the first baseman of the future, the club has a dilemma on their hand with Burger. And finally, Zack Collins. Collins has a big bat as well, and some thought the team would try and develop him into a first baseman, but they seemingly want him to stay as a catcher and the club has been pleased with his progress defensively. With that all being said, it is unlikely he will be playing first base, but could play there from time to time to give some others a day off.
Outlook
While this wasn't the pick some wanted, it might be one of the safest the club could make. Vaughn is very likely to rise through the ranks quickly and make an impact as a big bat in the lineup potentially putting up 30 home runs annually. You could see him mid to late 2020, but more likely in 2021. You should see him split playing time with Abreu at DH and 1B in the future, but expect Vaughn to get the nod at first more often than not. If he can work on playing some outfield and third base, then the Sox have a lot of flexibility with the lineup. A solid selection for the Pale Hose.
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