5 players to watch at White Sox spring training
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Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz sits in the dugout. Photo: John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The White Sox have invited a staggering number of players to spring training as they look to rebuild after last year's historically bad season.
The big picture: The Sox invited 26 non-roster players to try out, signaling a wide open competition to make the regular season roster.
- Star players Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech return, but there are plenty of open roster spots.
Here are five players to pay attention to in spring training.
Colson Montgomery
Shortstop
White Sox fans are excited for Montgomery, who is a highly touted prospect.
- The rookie shortstop looks to take over from Tim Anderson, who was let go this offseason. Montgomery could have some growing pains, but early reports compare him to Rangers' star Corey Seager.
Projected: Opening Day starter.
Tim Elko
First baseman
The Sox are in need of power. Their home run totals are towards the bottom of the league even though they play in a hitter-friendly park.
- Tim Elko is a home-run hitter. Last year, he hit 28 homers in stops at three different minor league teams in the Sox system, including Birmingham.
Projection: Even though he's 25, he'll probably start the season in minors.
Brett Phillips
Outfielder
The utility outfielder has spent his career in Tampa Bay and has little to show for it besides a star turn in the 2020 World Series.
- He's plucky and he's a fan favorite, but he's also only hit .187 for his career.
Projection: Makes roster as backup.
Justin Anderson
Starting pitcher
The veteran, left-handed starting pitcher played for the Los Angeles Angels, but injuries have set him back.
- He has some experience and should slot in as a serviceable arm in the back end of the rotation. Not because he's got sensational stuff, but because the Sox have almost no viable starting pitchers behind Cease and Kopech.
Projection: No. 5 starting pitcher
Kevin Pillar
Outfielder
Yep, that Kevin Pillar. The defense-first outfielder has jumped around to several teams in his career, playing with the Braves last season.
- Pillar looks to make the roster just based on experience, but this screams as a backup move by new GM Chris Getz to flip for more prospects at the trade deadline.
Yes, but: At least he'll entertain the fans with his spectacular plays.
Projected: Makes the team, maybe even starts in right field.