CHICAGO -- Baseball America released its top prospect list for the Chicago White Sox and left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon is the leader of the pack.
Rodon, the club’s first-round draft pick and No. 3 selection overall this past June, was considered for a major league promotion in September, but the White Sox elected to wait on bringing the North Carolina State product to the highest level.
The 21-year-old is expected to be in major league camp this spring where he figures to compete for a roster spot. In the long run, Rodon is being aimed for the starting rotation but there remains a possibility that he starts the season as a reliever to help a rebuilding bullpen.
Rounding out the top five on the Baseball America list is No. 2 selection Tim Anderson, shortstop, No. 3 Spencer Adams, right-handed pitcher, No. 4. Micah Johnson, second base and No. 5 Francellis Montas, right-handed pitcher.
Anderson impressed in the Arizona Fall League, posting a .313 batting average and a .353 on-base percentage in 20 games. That came after he batted a combined .301 with a .327 on-base percentage at three separate minor league levels, advancing as high as Double-A Birmingham.
The former first-round pick in 2013 could be poised to take over full time at shortstop after Alexei Ramirez’s contract is completed in 2016, if a team option is exercised.
Completing Baseball American’s top 10 is No. 6 selection Micker Adolfo, outfield, No. 7 Tyler Danish, right-handed pitcher, No. 8 Trey Michalczewski, No. 9 Courtney Hawkins, outfield and No. 10 Rangel Ravelo, first base.
Of all the players listed, Rodon and Johnson have the best chance of landing on the Opening Day roster in April.
