White Sox Promote Top Infield Prospect To MLB For The First Time
Brooks Baldwin’s magical 2024 season continues, as Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times has reported that the White Sox are calling up the 23-year-old infielder to the Major Leagues for the first time. Baldwin has had an incredible season at both the AA and AAA levels thus far in 2024 and is now getting a chance to show what he can do at the highest level.
Baldwin’s Stellar 2024 Season in AA And AAA
A former 12th-round pick by the White Sox in 2022, Baldwin is the White Sox #23 prospect per MLB.com and has been an under-the-radar prospect since they drafted him. It is not like he came entirely out of nowhere, however. He started 2024 in AA with the Birmingham Barons, where he was excellent this season. The switch-hitting infielder hit .322 with 16 doubles, six home runs, and a .826 OPS in 74 games with the Barons and was one of the best performers in the Southern League.
Baldwin was so good in AA that he earned a promotion to AAA earlier this month. He was even better in Charlotte than in Birmingham, as he hit .345 with three doubles, two home runs, and a 1.096 OPS in just eight games with the Knights. More impressive, he drew five walks while striking out just twice. While it is a small sample, Baldwin showed no issue handling AAA pitchers and ultimately showed enough to earn the call to the show. He held his own against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers in the minors, further adding to his intrigue and future upside.
Exceptional Defensive Versatility
Baldwin’s work with the bat aside, his defensive versatility is another reason he has gained helium and recognition this season in the White Sox farm system. He played primarily shortstop in 2024 but has experience playing every defensive position other than pitcher and catcher as a professional. Versatility is more critical than ever in baseball, and Baldwin can seamlessly slide into any defensive position. That defensive versatility should help him tremendously in getting consistent playing time at the MLB level.
Lots Of Changes
The White Sox have made several significant changes to their MLB roster in preparation for the second half. Veterans Martín Maldonado and Danny Mendick were designated for assignment, while Lenyn Sosa was optioned to AAA. Veteran infielder Nick Senzel and veteran catcher Chuckie Robinson are coming in to replace those headed out, and now Baldwin will join them. The team is trying to shake things up amid arguably the worst season in franchise history.
Baldwin’s Golden Opportunity
This call-up represents a unique opportunity for Brooks Baldwin. As a former 12th-round pick, Baldwin has defied the odds simply by making it this far. However, given how badly the White Sox MLB roster lacks talent, he has a chance to make a name for himself and earn a permanent spot on the team. As a switch-hitting utility player, his skill set is such that he can play virtually position and face both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. The opportunity to make a name for himself is right before him. Hopefully, he makes the most of it.