CHICAGO -- Michael Kopech officially arrives behind mammoth anticipation and excitement with the White Sox on Tuesday, which means the focus now turns to a potential callup for outfielder Eloy Jimenez.
The No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 3 overall, per MLB Pipeline, has posted a .326 average with 25 doubles, 21 home runs, 69 RBIs and a .954 OPS over stops at Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte this season. Those numbers include his .338 average, .994 OPS, 11 home runs and 27 RBIs over 41 games with the Knights.
It was just a couple of weeks ago when White Sox director of player development Chris Getz told WSCR 670-AM that Jimenez was getting very close to being ready for the Majors, an idea general manager Rick Hahn spoke about during a Monday conference call.
"Everyone in Triple-A is close," Hahn said. "By definition, they are a level away from being in the big leagues. There was not any intention in terms of foreshadowing an imminent move with that comment. It was just a statement about him making progress this year and obviously being one level away from making his Major League debut."
Some players at Triple-A are closer to the Majors than others. It doesn't mean Jimenez's Major League arrival is imminent. He has been described by some talent evaluators as a generational sort of talent, but he also has missed time this season due to a pectoral injury and a left adductor strain.
Jimenez has 10 hits in his past 41 at-bats over 10 games, although he has hit in eight of those 10 games. Hahn was asked about service time being a consideration, but he responded that these decisions are based upon what is best for the organization's long-term plan and putting the players in the best position for the long run.
"We're judging each individual based on what's best for them," Hahn said. "As for Eloy, he's going to remain in Charlotte at this time and continue on the path that he's on. We'll certainly continue to evaluate where he's at in the coming weeks, and when the time comes, we'll explain the logic behind whatever decision with regards to the rest of his 2018 season as well."