Chicago White Sox take necessary precaution on top prospect

Much like 2024, things haven’t been going well for the Chicago White Sox at the major league level. But in the midst of their rebuild, that’s to be expected. What would be a true problem is if the White Sox’s top prospects don’t pan out once given the call. Chicago has already had to tinker with Colson Montgomery’s development process due to Triple-A struggles.

But the White Sox have five players inside the top 100 prospects in baseball, via MLB Pipeline. Their farm system has been built through the draft and their blockbuster Garrett Crochet trade. Alongside Montgomery, Chicago is counting on their star prospects to someday get the team back into contention.

One of those top prospects is left-hander Hagen Smith. Ranked No. 3 in the White Sox’s organization and No. 30 in all of baseball, Smith has put himself on the map with his work at the Double-A level. However, with Chicago in no rush, they’ve decided to take things slow with Smith.

The White Sox are skipping the left-hander’s next start in an effort to manage his workload over a full season, via Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Their decision comes after Smith’s velocity was down in his last outing.

2) Hagen Smith’s velocity was fluctuating his last outing, showing some signs of fatigue. As a precaution his outing was shortened and the White Sox are skipping a start to help navigate his first full season. Medically he’s in a good spot– proactive in managing his workload.

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) May 13, 2025

Chicago White Sox find potential ace in Hagen Smith

The White Sox selected Smith with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. In his first three starts as a professional, the left-hander held a 3.52 ERA and a 7/2 K/BB over 7.2. Chicago then threw him into the fire, having him start the 2025 campaign at the Double-A level. Smith has passed the test with flying colors.

Over his seven starts – 25.2 innings – Smith has put up a 2.10 ERA and a 40/22 K/BB ratio. He has at least five strike outs in every game he has four or more innings pitched. Furthermore, Smith hasn’t let up more than two runs in a single game. While walks have been a problem at times, the top prospect has overall been a force in the Southern League.

However, the White Sox don’t want his pitch count getting too high. Especially if Smith is actively dealing with fatigue. While long removed from high school, Smith did undergo Tommy John surgery as a junior. Chicago doesn’t want to take any risks by overworking his arm so early into his MLB career.

If Smith’s development pans out how the White Sox plan, he will be a key fixture in their rotation sooner rather than later. Fellow lefty Noah Schultz is the only pitcher above Smith in Chicago’s prospect rankings, No. 1 on the team and No. 13 in all of baseball. When they both reach the majors, the White Sox could have one of the scariest one-two punches atop their rotation. The team has seen what developing young pitching has done for the Detroit Tigers.

Which is why the White Sox aren’t going to rush Smith, even if he is dominating at Double-A. His long-term health is far more important to the ball club, especially with the team being nowhere near the MLB playoff race. There is no reason to be alarmed about Smith, even with his fatigue. But after a fiery start to his Double-A career, Smith and the White Sox will be cooling the jets.