Eloy Jimenez
Team: Chicago White Sox
Born: Santo Domingo Central, Dominican Republic
Age: 22
2018 Combined Stats: .337 BA, 22 HR, 75 RBI (AA & AAA)
Analysis: Signed straight out of the Dominican Republic as a 16-year-old prodigy by the Cubs in 2013, Jimenez has been an immediate stand out in the minors. Jimenez was dealt to the crosstown rival White Sox in 2017 and has been one of the crown jewels of the team’s farm system ever since.
The 22-year-old outfielder is expected to be one of the best power hitters of this year’s rookie class. With Chicago in a rebuilding year, the White Sox are going to rely on Jimenez to provide production in the middle of its lineup, where he batted 5th on Opening Day. Jimenez can also effectively hit for contact—recording a .311 batting average over 408 games in the Minor Leagues.
His limited range and arm strength likely makes Jimenez a below-average defender in the outfield. But if Jimenez lives up to billing as a hitter, he’ll more than makeup for some deficiencies as a fielder.
