CHICAGO -- Eloy Jiménez might not be voted the 2019 American League Rookie of the Year, but the White Sox left fielder doesn’t need an award to validate what was one of the more impressive debuts with the bat in franchise history.

“Fantastic rookie season,” said White Sox manager Rick Renteria. “There are a lot of rookies across the Major Leagues right now that are exploding onto the scene and doing great things. He's one of them.”

“I don't try to think about that too much,” said Jiménez in response. “I just try to enjoy what I do and go out and play hard.”

Jiménez, who turns 23 on Nov. 27, launched 31 home runs to go with his 79 RBIs, 69 runs scored and .828 OPS. He topped all AL rookies in homers and RBIs, and his single-season homer total trails only José Abreu (36, 2014) and Ron Kittle (35, 1983) for the franchise’s rookie record.

The only thing seemingly greater than Jiménez’s limitless potential is the endless enjoyment he features playing the game. Check out his broad smile and special “Hi mom!” shout-outs during most of his pre or postgame television interviews as examples.

What went right?
The words “developing patience” come to mind.

As members of the White Sox front office and coaching staff pointed out, opposing pitchers attacked Jiménez like he was a 10-year veteran from the first game of the season. Their gameplan frequently caused him to expand the strike zone, but once he found a more consistent approach in a stretch of at-bats, Jiménez was able to hit his pitch instead of pitchers’ pitches more often.

“Be patient. It’s the biggest part for me,” Jiménez said. “Be patient at the plate and just keep working hard.”

His strong September performance provided a glimpse of what could be to come, as Jiménez won AL Rookie of the Month honors after slashing .340/.383/.710 with nine home runs, eight doubles and 25 RBIs. He tied for the AL lead in RBIs during the month and ranked among its leaders in doubles (T-4th), homers (T-4th), slugging percentage (5th), OPS (7th, 1.093), runs scored (T-7th) and average (10th).

What went wrong?
Staying healthy was Jiménez’s biggest issue.

He was on the injured list from April 27 to May 19 with a high right ankle sprain after crashing into the left-field wall chasing a Greyson Greiner homer and was later out of action from July 16 to 27 with a right ulnar nerve contusion. Those extended absences hampered Jiménez finding a consistent flow.

There were times defensively where Jiménez looked like a designated hitter playing left field, but to his credit, he worked diligently all season with first-base coach Daryl Boston to make noticeable improvement.

“He worked extremely hard on both sides of the ball to try to put himself in a good position,” Renteria said. “Still more work to be done, but [he] certainly has put himself in a position where he can help us win ballgames.”

Best moment
There was a time, as a young Cubs prospect, when Jiménez dreamed of playing Major League Baseball at Wrigley Field. He did so on June 18, but against the team who first signed him and eventually traded him across town as part of the four-player return for José Quintana. And in the ninth inning, with the game tied at one, Jimenez connected for a two-run, game-winning blast off Pedro Strop on a 1-0 fastball. Jimenez’s drive carried to the back of the left-field bleachers, even though he broke his bat upon contact.

2020 outlook
Jiménez possesses natural power, making 40 or even 50 home runs a possibility, but he wants to be a complete hitter and a complete player, with Renteria explaining how Jiménez doesn’t want to be the guy removed for a defensive replacement. With a year of experience under his belt and continued development into the future, Jiménez will be a core piece as the White Sox rebuild moves forward.