The White Sox May Have Revived Former Top Draft Pick’s Career
The White Sox have done a very good job at developing minor league talent this year, as the White Sox boast two of the best teams in the minor leagues, the Birmingham Barons and the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. This bodes well for the future of the White Sox, as that means they have some talented players making their way through the system.
In the offseason, the White Sox added Brian Bannister as their director of pitching, which was a huge addition. He is one of the reasons why the pitching in the minor leagues has done so well, as he has implemented a very solid plan for the teams in the minor leagues. One player has seen recent success for a few reasons, but it may have revitalized his career.
Jared Kelley was a second round pick for the White Sox in the 2020 draft out of Refugio High School in Texas. They signed him well over slot value, as they were able to lure him away from his college commitment. This was a big deal, as many scouts tabbed Kelley as a first round talent, and they were able to get him in the second round.
However, due to the pandemic, there was no minor league season for that draft class, so he had to start his career in 2021. In 2021, between rookie ball and low A, Kelley struggled, pitching to a 7.62 ERA in 23 innings. He was just 19, so it was expected that it would take some time for him to get adjusted to professional baseball.
It turned out that was the case, as in 2022, Kelley pitched much better. In 76 innings between low-A and AA, he had a 3.52 ERA with a 1.4 WHIP. The WHIP was a bit inflated due to the 47 walks he gave up, but he had a very solid 8.3 K/9 ratio.
But, in 2023 things would take a turn. Between high-A and AA, he would have a 7.48 ERA in 65 innings. He increased his K/9 ratio to over 10 strikeouts, but he also increased his walks to almost seven per nine innings. This was not a great season, so the 2024 season was a big for him, as he was entering his 4th professional season.
He started out 2024 in Birmingham, where things didn’t go as planned. They sent him down to A+ after 8 innings of relief out of the bullpen, where he had a 5+ ERA and a 1.8 WHIP. But, in A+ they made a change that could have saved his career.
After demoting him to high-A, they made him the closer, which has gone extremely well. In 14 innings, he has a minuscule 1.26 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. He has reduced his walks and kept his strikeout numbers up in the 9 K/9 range, which is very good. He has also added 4 saves in 5 opportunities. This is a development to watch, as he seems to be comfortable in the closer role.
Still just 22, Kelley is very young and could have a future with the White Sox. He will have to prove these numbers at AA and the upper minors, but after a few promotions after the trade deadline, he could make his way back to Birmingham.
If he can continue this success in Birmingham, he could push for the majors in 2025 if he has a hot start to the season. Many people wrote Kelley off these last few years, but now he is making a return with a chip on his shoulder.