Aldrin Batista Could Be the Hidden Gem the White Sox Need

The 2024 season was a disaster for the Chicago White Sox — a challenging year even by the already-low standards fans have had to adjust to lately. There were few bright spots and barely any exciting moments. Most of the season felt like a chore, with fans grinding it out just as much as the team on the field. With every game, it seemed like there was another struggle — poor defense, a bullpen meltdown, or an offense that just couldn't get anything going.

But for those die-hards looking to the future, there may be some promise down on the farm. A few prospects are providing reasons for tempered hope entering 2025 with other youngsters climbing their way through the ranks.

One player who deserves a closer look — and who's flying a little under the radar — is starting pitcher Aldrin Batista. Currently ranked No. 21 among White Sox prospects per MLB Pipeline, Batista quietly put together one of the most solid years among the top pitchers in the system.

The White Sox snagged Batista from the Dodgers after the 2023 trade deadline for international bonus pool money — a low-cost move that looks like a wise investment.

Hidden Gem?

After joining Single-A Kannapolis, Aldrin Batista posted a 2.66 ERA over 23.2 innings with 21 strikeouts and a tidy 1.06 WHIP.

Batista's performance in 2024 showed just how valuable he could be. He started the season with Kannapolis, putting together 17 starts with an 84.2-inning stretch that saw him rack up 87 strikeouts, a 3.51 ERA, and a 1.25 WHIP, which resulted in a promotion to High-A Winston-Salem.