Here's the White Sox 2024 Spring Breakout roster
Scott Merkin
@scottmerkinGLENDALE, Ariz. -- Edgar Quero will be a featured part of the roster when some of the White Sox top prospects take on some of the Cubs' top prospects as part of the Spring Breakout competition.
The game is slated for Friday, March 15, at 4:05 p.m. CT.
But this contest might be step one for Quero in terms of 2024 accomplishments for the 20-year-old catcher, who is ranked as the No. 5 White Sox prospect by MLB Pipeline. Quero received a non-roster invite to big league camp and is inching toward his Major League debut.
“Super impressive kid,” director of player development Paul Janish said. “It’s hard to understand that he’s only 20 years old. We were joking the other day if he was coming out of college as a Draft pick as a junior, he would be a potential first-round pick.
“I’ve been really impressed with the demeanor and his awareness. He’s paying attention and he understands English well, and is continuing to do so because he values the impact of that long term.”
Quero came to the White Sox last season in a July 26 trade with the Angels that sent Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez to Anaheim, with left-hander Ky Bush also coming to Chicago as part of the deal. The switch-hitting Quero, who is from Cuba, slashed .277/.366/.393 with three homers and 22 RBIs over 31 games for Double-A Birmingham after his arrival.
His profile on offense is just beginning to develop. Quero also is learning about his craft in camp with a group of seven catchers including veterans Martín Maldonado and Max Stassi.
“I’ve been working more on my body, my offense,” Quero said on Thursday. “I feel like I learned from last year. I’ve been doing more. I’m in a better position right now to show what I can do.
“I feel so good right now. My bat is there. This year will be amazing for me. I’m ready to go.”
“He’s got a chance to be an offensive player, not just a catcher who can hit a little bit,” Janish said. “He can be a real offensive player. But again, he needs to catch a bunch."
Teams were allowed to have 23-27 players on their Spring Breakout rosters. The White Sox have 27, but three pitchers won't take the mound. That roster includes Colson Montgomery, the club's No. 1 prospect and No. 9 overall per MLB Pipeline, and the shortstop of the future on Chicago’s South Side.
Spring Breakout will afford first looks at acquisitions from the blockbuster Dylan Cease trade with San Diego on Wednesday as outfielder Samuel Zavala (No. 6) and right-handed pitcher Jairo Iriarte (No. 9) were both added to the roster.
Third baseman Bryan Ramos (No. 4), shortstop Jacob Gonzalez (No. 7), right-handed pitcher Peyton Pallette (No. 12) and outfielder George Wolkow (No. 14) are others on the squad from the White Sox Top 20 prospects.
That future will be on display soon in Spring Breakout action.
“It’s something different from the usual day to day,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz said of the Spring Breakout. “I like the idea.
“This is the first time we will experience it, but I know our players are going to be motivated. And to be able to try something new in Spring Training to celebrate the prospects in our game is very healthy.”
What is Spring Breakout? MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing baseball’s future: the current stars of Minor League Baseball. The inaugural edition will be held from March 14-17 at Grapefruit and Cactus league stadiums during Spring Training. A series of 16 exhibition games will be played between teams comprised of each MLB organization’s top prospects, creating a new touchpoint on the baseball calendar that celebrates our sport’s budding talent.
Here's the Spring Breakout roster for the White Sox with MLB Pipeline's rankings:
PITCHERS
Noah Schultz, LHP, No. 2 (will not pitch)
Jairo Iriarte, RHP, No. 9
Peyton Pallette, RHP, No. 12
Prelander Berroa, RHP, No. 19 (will not pitch)
Mason Adams, RHP, No. 22
Eric Adler, RHP, NR
Adisyn Coffey, RHP, NR
Jared Kelley, RHP, NR
Gil Luna, LHP, NR
Jose Ramirez, RHP, NR (will not pitch)
Alex Speas, RHP, NR