Alex Call

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #21 prospect in 2018
  After Call hit .353/.425/.530 in three seasons at Ball State, the White Sox took him in the third round of the 2016 draft and signed him for $719,100. His first full season was limited to 38 games at low Class A Kannapolis (and another 13 rehabbing in the Rookie-level Arizona League) because of an intercostal strain and a small fracture to one of his ribs. To make up for lost time he participated in fall instructional league in both Arizona and in the Dominican Republic. Call is a well-rounded player who doesn't have a plus tool, but doesn't have anything below-average, either. When healthy, Call's smooth swing allows him to hit for average with a little bit of power. He's a tick above-average runner, though he's slowed a little bit as he gained strength. He has average range in the outfield and an above-average arm, though those inside the organization believe he's likely to land in left field. It was a lost season for Call, who could get back on track with a strong year at high Class A Winston-Salem. Call projects as an extra outfielder in the majors but could be more if he hits like he always has.
• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #15 prospect in 2017
  Call was a three-year starter at Ball State and began to blossom as a junior in 2016 as he grew into his man strength. He smacked 13 home runs and posted an isolated slugging percentage over .300 in his draft year. While Call doesn't have a bona fide plus tool, he doesn't have any minuses either, and he is universally praised for his work ethic and baseball instincts. He has above-average arm strength and he's an above-average runner, giving him the tools to play any outfield spot, though he doesn't project to be an everyday center fielder. Call has a fluid swing, with loose wrists that allow him to cover the plate well. He has a deep back-elbow swoop that can sometimes prevent him from generating tight backspin, and he cuts up on the ball, but he consistently makes solid contact and has always hit for a high average on balls in play. He has hit everywhere he's gone and projects as an average hitter, though his power production (he has near-average power potential) is a newer development. Call is likely to start 2017 back at low Class A Kannapolis. His polished skill set could allow him to move quickly, but if his offensive production continues to work at the highest level, his bat could separate him.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #266 prospect in 2016 draft
  A three-year starter at Ball State, Call had always shown raw power in batting practice, but it didn't come into play in games until this year. With 13 home runs, a .667 slugging percentage and 162 total bases as a junior, he is a much more interesting prospect than he was when he was a slap-hitting corner outfielder coming into the season. The 6-foot, 188-pounder has shown steady improvement in his three years as a Cardinal. He has an above-average throwing arm that fits in right field, is an average to tick-above-average runner (he's better underway than out of the box) and could play center field in a pinch.

• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: Call was a three-year starter at Ball State and began to blossom as a junior in 2016 as he grew into his man strength. He smacked 13 home runs and posted an isolated slugging percentage over .300 in his draft year. Scouting Report: While Call doesn't have a bona fide plus tool, he doesn't have any minuses either, and he is universally praised for his work ethic and baseball instincts. He has above-average arm strength and he's an above-average runner, giving him the tools to play any outfield spot, though he doesn't project to be an everyday center fielder. Call has a fluid swing, with loose wrists that allow him to cover the plate well. He has a deep back-elbow swoop that can sometimes prevent him from generating tight backspin, and he cuts up on the ball, but he consistently makes solid contact and has always hit for a high average on balls in play. He has hit everywhere he's gone and projects as an average hitter, though his power production (he has near-average power potential) is a newer development.
  
  The Future: Call is likely to start 2017 back at low Class A Kannapolis. His polished skill set could allow him to move quickly, but if his offensive production continues to work at the highest level, his bat could separate him.