For the last few years, it’s all been about ESPN’s ‘top 100 prospects’ list for the White Sox. Now, it’s time to start focusing on a different list: the ‘top 100 players’ list.
ESPN ranked the top 100 players in baseball and three White Sox players made the cut. New addition Yasmani Grandal led the way at No. 45 while breakout seasons in 2019 earned Lucas Giolito (71) and Yoan Moncada (87) spots on the list, as well.
Jose Abreu was No. 89 last year but fell out of the top 100 this time around. He was the only White Sox representative a year ago.
Tim Anderson’s batting title wasn’t enough to get him on the list. Dallas Keuchel was No. 86 last year, but dropped out. Many believe Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert have the potential to be that good, but they have to show it in the majors first.
For what it’s worth, Grandal, the most expensive free agent signing for the White Sox this offseason, ranked five spots ahead of Manny Machado. The White Sox put a lot of effort and resources into falling short on signing Machado last offseason. ESPN thinks they got a better player a year later.
Elsewhere in the AL Central, the Minnesota Twins have five players on the list, the Cleveland Indians have four, the Kansas City Royals have two and the Detroit Tigers were shut out.
RELATED: The stakes are higher for Reynaldo Lopez in 2020
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the White Sox easily on your device.