Chicago White Sox Breakout MLB Prospects Entering 2024

Breakout Prospects

George Wolkow, OF

Preseason rank: 12
BA Grade: 50. Risk: Extreme.

Track Record: Wolkow ranked as the No. 6 player in the 2024 high school class before announcing in March 2022 that he was reclassifying for 2023. With his size, athleticism and raw power, he was impressive enough during the summer and fall showcase circuits that the White Sox took the local product in the seventh round, the only high school player they drafted in 2023. Wolkow signed for an over-slot bonus of $1 million. Primarily a corner infielder in his high school career, he played exclusively in the outfield during his pro debut in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League and in the fall instructional league program.

Scouting Report: With his massive 6-foot-7, 240-pound frame, Wolkow already has plus raw power and could get to a double-plus grade as he matures and begins making more consistent contact. His lefthanded swing works well for his size, and he shows the ability to draw walks, but it comes with high strikeout totals. He struck out 33% of the time in a small pro sample. Wolkow moves surprisingly well for his size and took to the outfield quite well, splitting time between center and right field. He’s an average runner now but covers plenty of ground with long, loping strides. He projects best in right field, where his plus arm will be more than enough for the position.

The Future: Wolkow was just 17 for the entirety of his first pro season, so there’s still plenty to dream on. He’s mature enough to handle a Low-A assignment in 2024, though a bit more time at the complex to further refine his swing might be best for his development. Because of Wolkow’s age, the White Sox can afford to be patient.

Scouting Grades
Hitting: 40. Power: 55. Run: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 60.

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Mathias LaCombe, RHP

Preseason rank: 24
BA Grade: 50. Risk: Extreme.

Track Record: Cochise (Ariz.) JC is located in southern Arizona, just 20 miles north of the border with Mexico. Itís about the same distance from the Wild West town of Tombstone, an unlikely location for a group of French natives to show up to play junior college baseball. One of those transplants was LaCombe, who started to attract attention in his second season at Cochise when he posted a 1.74 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 97-to-14 in 67.1 innings. A bullpen session for scouts who were in the Phoenix area for the Pacific-12 Conference Tournament generated interest. LaCombe was up to 96 mph that day, and the White Sox drafted him in the 12th round and signed him for $450,000. He didnít pitch in games during the summer but logged a couple brief one-inning starts at instructional league in the fall.

Scouting Report: LaCombe throws a plus sinker that sits 90-92 mph in longer outings, touches 97, and sits in the mid 90s in shorter stints. His fastball has more run than sink, with plus movement and plus velocity. He has average secondary pitches, including a slider in the low-to-mid 80s, and a split-changeup in the low 80s. Both could become above-average offerings with more development. More velocity could be coming with LaCombe’s lean 6-foot-2 frame likely to add strength. Better utilization of his lower half in his delivery could also help.

The Future: LaCombe will turn 22 in June, and while it’s likely he will start the 2024 season in extended spring training, it’s not out of the question that he could hit Low-A Kannapolis by his birthday.

Scouting Grades
Fastball: 60. Slider: 50. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.