Fansided

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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Sep 4, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (49) delivers a pitch during the first inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (49) delivers a pitch during the first inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Reynaldo Lopez, RHP

Between Giolito and Lopez, the White Sox may have their future one-two punch. Deciding which prospect has a bigger upside really comes down to splitting hairs. The Nationals had begun viewing Lopez ahead of Giolito at some point this season, even though he was pegged in the middle of most top-100 prospect lists.

Lopez has a similar arsenal to Giolito, with a better fastball. In his 11 appearances with Washington last season, he threw his fourseamer with an average velocity of close to 97 mph. Despite the high heat, opponents still batted .300 on the pitch because he does not have outstanding movement on it. He experienced the most success with his curveball, striking out 23 with the pitch. He frequently throws his curve for strikes and is able to generate empty swings at a good rate. Lopez’s changeup is still a work in progress, and he did not throw it often with the Nationals.

There is a ton of upside in both Giolito and Lopez. Both are just 22 years old and are knocking on the door of the big leagues. Lopez had the more impressive debut with the Nationals this year, but it is still impossible to say which will have the better career. Regardless, the White Sox got a steal in getting two potential aces in one trade. The Nationals could afford to give them up due to their already stellar rotation, but not splitting them up into two separate trades could come back to bite Washington.

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