Brooks Baldwin: A Name White Sox Fans Need To Learn
The White Sox farm system is deeper than it has been in a long time. As a result, the organization has several under-the-radar prospects who have performed exceptionally well this season. Mason Adams is an example on the pitching side, and Brooks Baldwin fits that description on the position player side. It is time for White Sox fans to learn his name.
Late Round Draft Gem
The White Sox drafted Baldwin in the 12th round of the 2022 draft out of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, ironically one round before the aforementioned Mason Adams. Baldwin signed for just $125,000 and was not highly regarded at that point, but has elevated his stock significantly since being drafted. He is the #24 prospect in the White Sox system, per MLB.com.
Baldwin’s Exceptional 2024 Season
The 6’2 175 pound switch-hitting infielder is having a fantastic 2024 campaign with the AA Birmingham Barons. In 60 games this season, Baldwin is hitting .341 with a .869 OPS and 165 wRC+. He has 78 hits, including 14 doubles, four home runs, and 15 stolen bases, all while having a walk rate over 10%. Baldwin leads the Southern League in batting average and is second in both on-base percentage and OPS. He has hit well from both sides of the plate, and his offensive numbers are even more impressive because the Barons’ home ballpark is typically very pitcher-friendly.
While Baldwin’s .403 BABIP is not sustainable and will normalize at some point, he is still having a fantastic season and has firmly put his name on the map. He is a well-rounded player, with his MLB.com scouting report describing him as having “solid-to-plus speed with nonstop energy and good instincts on the bases and in the field.” while also being “a smooth athlete and fundamentally sound defender.”
Elite Defensive Versatility
Another significant factor going in Baldwin’s favor is his defensive versatility. While he has played primarily shortstop this season, he has experience playing every position except pitcher and catcher during his college and professional career. Shortstops are typically athletic enough to move to other positions if needed, and Baldwin certainly fits that description. Versatility is more critical than ever in MLB. The ability to play multiple positions will only help Baldwin as he gets closer to the Major Leagues.
Continued Uphill Battle
Even with his strong season, Baldwin faces an uphill battle as his professional career progresses. The White Sox have multiple top infield prospects coming up who are more highly regarded than he is. Colson Montgomery, Bryan Ramos, Jacob Gonzalez, and others fall into this category. They will likely receive precedence over Baldwin regarding future opportunities at the MLB level.
Baldwin Could Be In Chicago Sooner Rather Than Later
However, switch hitters who can play virtually any defensive position and are far above average offensively in AA also do not grow on trees. Baldwin has a unique blend of skills that should translate into at least a super-utility type of player at the MLB level, with the potential to be much more than that. That potential outcome is pretty good for a former 12th-round pick. The White Sox have a nice wave of position player talent coming soon, and Brooks Baldwin could be part of that group.