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Breaking down the Chicago White Sox prospect haul

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Surprise Saguaros third baseman Yoan Moncada of the Boston Red Sox during an Arizona Fall League game against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Surprise Saguaros third baseman Yoan Moncada of the Boston Red Sox during an Arizona Fall League game against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Dane Dunning (3) throws against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first inning at the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Dane Dunning (3) throws against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first inning at the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Dane Dunning, RHP

Dunning was somewhat under the radar coming out of the University of Florida, but the Nationals made him their first-round pick last season, 29th overall. He pitched out of the bullpen and in the rotation while with the Gators, but the Nats were using him as a starter during his first professional season. Dunning pitched in the short-season leagues and made eight starts, pitching 35.2 innings with a 2.02 ERA.

The lanky right-hander is, as most three-year college pitchers are, fairly polished for a prospect. He turns 22 in December. He has a fluid delivery that allows him to consistently throw strikes and should allow him to stay in the rotation moving forward. Dunning’s fastball sits in the mid-90s with an ability to run up closer to 96. His best secondary offering is his changeup, thrown in the low 80s with good spin. His breaking ball does still need some polishing. If Dunning can figure out the breaking ball, he will have a nice three-pitch arsenal.

As with most college pitchers, there isn’t much room to project Dunning. He already commands the changeup well, something a high-school prospect typically struggles with. Getting just a shade better with the breaking ball is what will push Dunning over the top. He should start the season in Single-A ball but could have a quick rise through the system. While he may be ready for the big leagues by the end of the 2017 season, the White Sox are going nowhere fast and should hold him down until 2018.

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