CHICAGO -- Class A Kannapolis manager Justin Jirschele was named White Sox Minor League Coach of the Year and Phil Gulley was named Scout of the Year as announced by the team on Thursday.
Jirschele, 27 and just two years removed from playing in the White Sox system, led Kannapolis to a first-half division title and a berth in the South Atlantic League finals in his first year as a professional manager.
"Justin's attitude, work ethic, attention to detail and overall leadership skills have been a tremendous asset to the White Sox organization," White Sox director of player development Chris Getz said through the team. "His ability to guide Kannapolis to the postseason in his first year as a manager proves that he has a bright future ahead as a leader on the field and in the clubhouse."
"Any time you have the privilege of playing extra baseball into September in the Minor Leagues, it's exciting," said Jirschele during a recent interview. "It's a great experience for all of us, players and coaching staff included, and we were fortunate enough to get to the championship series. We came up a little short, but overall, it was a great experience for everybody."
Gulley recommended and/or signed fourth-round pick RHP Lincoln Henzman (RHP), sixth-round pick Kade McClure (RHP) and 16th-round pick Logan Taylor (CF) for the White Sox from the 2017 MLB Draft. He also previously signed Kevan Smith (C, seventh round in 2011) and Adam Engel (CF, 19th round in 2013).
"In 2017 alone, [Gulley] recommended and/or signed three of our top 16 Draft picks," White Sox director of player development Nick Hostetler said through the team. "Phil has been a cornerstone of our amateur scouting department for many years, and his ability to identify premium talent makes him worthy of this award."
White Sox make moves
Catcher Geovany Soto joined right-handed pitcher Mike Pelfrey in free agency on Thursday, when the White Sox declined the option on Soto's 2018 contract. The 34-year-old veteran hit .190 with three homers and nine RBIs over 13 games for the White Sox in 2017, before undergoing season-ending arthroscopic right elbow surgery in May.
Right-handed pitcher Zach Putnam and outfielder Charlie Tilson have been reinstated from the 60-day disabled list. The White Sox 40-man roster sits at 34.