Jacob Gonzalez Finally Looks Like the Player the White Sox Drafted

“Gonzalez’s name was coming up as high as No. 5 to the Twins. With a solid approach, Gonzalez works counts and draws walks, and he did a better job in 2023 of not getting power-happy while still finishing with a .

999 OPS. The left-handed hitter has the chance to be an above-average hitter with better than average power. ” That quote comes from an article written by Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline after day one of the 2023 MLB Draft, following the White Sox selecting Ole Miss shortstop Jacob Gonzalez with the 15th overall pick.

As Mayo said, there were rumors heading into the draft that Gonzalez could go somewhere in the top five, despite being the No. 18 ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline’s draft big board . While there were questions about his defense and which position he would play long term, most scouts and evaluators were incredibly optimistic about Gonzalez from an offensive standpoint.

He had consistent production throughout his three years in the SEC, and he showed the ability to hit for both contact and power while taking enough walks to get on base at a . 427 clip during his college career. Weirdly enough, drafting Gonzalez in the first round was supposed to be a safe pick by the White Sox.