The Chicago White Sox rebuild continues to draw praise as the team was ranked 10th in ESPN’s Future Power Ranking, which ranks all MLB teams’ power ranking for the next five years. The power rankings are based on a mix of the team’s future talent, current roster, financial resources, and ownership.
The future talent weighs the most in the ranking as it makes up 45 percent. The White Sox minor league system is ranked in the top five among many analysis and projectors, helping it propel up ESPN’s rankings.
Of the teams ahead of the White Sox, the only American League teams ranked higher are the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Indians. Two of those three teams have represented the American League in the World Series the last two seasons, and the Yankees made it to the league championship last season.
Furthermore, the Yankees are the only American League team that many consider to have as good of a farm system as the White Sox.
Some of the prospects on the White Sox that help their ranking are starting pitcher Michael Kopech and outfielder Eloy Jimenez who are ranked in the top 10 of MLB’s Top 100 Prospects. Current roster talent includes Jose Abreu, Avasil Garcia, Yoan Moncada, and Lucas Giolito.
When it comes to finances, the team will have a total payroll of less than $20 million before the 2019 free agency period that will possibly All-Star players Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. Ownership has been important as owner Jerry Reinsdorf as approved of the rebuild and has encouraged that the White Sox will be active in free agency next year.
The future ranking is just another promising sign that the White Sox organization is on the right path to achieving success in the future. the teams has been able to stockpile quality young talent that have made strides in just one year’s time.
As Spring Training baseball continues, the organization this season is hoping for more success to where they can firmly compete in 2019. The most promising aspect of the top 10 rankings is that their arrow is still pointing up while the other American League teams ahead of them are already peaking with success.