News - White Sox Roster Surprise: Rule 5 Pick Jedixson Paez Makes Opening Day

In an unexpected move, the Chicago White Sox have announced that Jedixson Paez, their Rule 5 Draft pick, will be part of their major league roster on Opening Day. Signed from the Boston Red Sox system, Paez has been the focus of much attention due to a challenging spring training where he allowed eight runs over 11 1/3 innings. Despite these struggles, he struck out 11 batters, offering glimpses of his untapped potential. At just 22 years old, Paez is yet to pitch above the High-A league but is seen as a long-term project for the White Sox, a team amidst a rebuilding phase. In the minor leagues, he faced injury setbacks, notably a calf issue that limited his innings last year. The decision to include him on the MLB roster suggests the White Sox see a path forward with Paez, prioritizing his development over immediate results. Baseball America has ranked Paez as the #16 prospect in the White Sox system, citing his exceptional command as a standout trait. Eric Longenhagen from FanGraphs speculates that with Paez's combination of raw skill and control, he might evolve into a reliable #4 starter, despite current concerns about his durability. With over 300 innings under his belt across his professional career, Paez could be key to the team's future success with the right development. Paez is now the sixth player from this year's Rule 5 Draft successfully added to an active MLB roster, joining the likes of Carter Baumler (Rangers) and others. This marks a significant milestone in the careers of these young athletes. Not all draftees were as fortunate, with some, like RJ Petit of the Rockies, sidelined by injury and others returned to their original clubs. As the league's teams finalize their rosters, decisions on players like Spencer Miles of the Blue Jays are still pending, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Rule 5 Draft process.