This will be a series spanning over three articles over one positional need. This will be the first series as there are some other positional needs the White Sox will need to fill during the offseason, but this first one will cover the need for right field. This one will look at the internal options as there might be some minor leaguers who could fill the role in 2020. This doesn't mean the Sox will go this way, but if they were, here are some of the options.
Blake Rutherford
Rutherford was acquired in a trade from the Yankees in 2017 and some looked at him as being a starter in the future. After an excellent 2018, he's cooled off in 2019. However, he is playing in AA Birmingham and might be considered coming out of camp. Rutherford is a first round draft pick in 2016, so there is some upside. He does get on base, steals some bases, he does drive in a good amount of runs, and should for a decent average. He can play the corners in the outfield, but mostly plays right field. That being said, he is a good athlete and a great defender and the Sox will give him a chance to prove himself for the starting job in Spring Training.
Luis Gonzalez
Probably the most underrated prospect for the White Sox, there is a lot to like about Gonzalez. He's had some pretty good years with in the Sox system, but it's been a bit of a disappointment in 2019 although he has been hot of late. That being said, with his skill set, he should be taken seriously for a starting job in right field. He's versatile and can play all over the outfield, but the question will be will his bat translate to the majors. He probably will get a chance to prove himself in Spring Training.
Luis Basabe
Basabe might have been seriously considered had he not had an injury and a disappointing year in 2019, but this might have been the most underrated player in the Chris Sale trade in December 2016 as some thought he was just a throw in. While he is speedy enough to play center field, he has the arm to play as a right fielder. He does have power in his bat and can steal some bases and has all the tools to be a starting player, but whether he can stay healthy or be consistent remains to be seen. They might give him a chance in Spring Training, but he is likely to repeat AA in 2020 or start in AAA.
Steele Walker
This is very unlikely, but of course possible as he does have a great skill set. He is a pure hitter and was taken in the second round of the 2018 draft, so clearly the Sox have a lot of high hopes for him. He's been excellent this season having played between Kannapolis and Winston-Salem in A ball. His average has "dipped" since joining the Dash, but his productivity has been good. He does have a nice arm, which should give him some consideration. He might get a invite to the major league camp, but he probably will play in AA in 2020.
Micker Adolfo
Of all the names here, Adolfo is the most talented. Had it not been for injuries, he would've been seriously considered for a starting role as some see him as a potential All-Star caliber player. Adolfo in terms of skills is the most major league ready of the bunch listed here, but injuries have limited his development. He has the best arm in the system and can hit for power. His power is absolutely legit and could be a very productive major leaguer. Problem here is injuries, but the Sox may give him a look in Spring Training.
Jameson Fisher
With the abundance of talent in the Sox farm system, Fisher isn't even listed in Top 30s like the ones MLB.com or FutureSox produces, but that shouldn't knock him for a potential playing role in the majors in the future. He's a left handed bat, something to be desired. While he doesn't hit for a high average, he is productive. He does have the skill set to be a quality major league player despite the numbers he has put up in the minors thus far. He does get on base as he has put up good to great OBP numbers in the minors. While it says he is playing in Winston-Salem after having played in Birmingham the year before, that doesn't mean he shouldn't be considered as there is an abundance of more talented outfielders at AA, which pushed him down to High-A. Of all the players on this list, he does have the weakest arm and has been playing a lot of first base which suggests that he probably won't play right field in the future. He's the longest of long shots to play right field in 2020 for the Sox.
Most likely to be the starter: Rutherford. Honestly, there are two things to consider here: 1. Adolfo would have been the starter had it not been for injuries and 2. none of these players are quite ready to be starting players in the major leagues. That being said, of all the players on this list, Rutherford is the closest to being ready to becoming a major league player even though he is not quite there yet. If Basabe had not had injury issues, he probably would've been seriously considered for the job while Adolfo develops. However, this will be Adolfo's job in the future if he can stay healthy and develops. As for now, Rutherford is the most likely candidate.
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