It was a rough Thursday for Sox Fans after hearing the devastating news of LF Eloy Jimenez‘s injury, which will cause him to miss 5-6 months with a ruptured pectoral tendon. To the liking of the fanbase, there was some good news reported by BBWAA writer and Latin reporter Francys Romero that Cuban OF Oscar Colas is expected to sign with the White Sox during the 2022 international signing period for $2.7 Million. Rick Hahn and Marco Paddy have reportedly gotten it done again by reeling in another Cuban player to keep the pipeline flowing in the White Sox system.
Colas has been dubbed the “Cuban Ohtani” as he posses the skills to pitch in addition to playing the outfield. Throughout four seasons playing in Cuba and Japan from 2016-2020, Colas has slashed .282/.343/.483 for an .826 OPS with 28 HRs, 38 2Bs and 116 RBIs. As a pitcher during the 2018-2019 season he threw 3.1 innings and allowed one run with 2 strikeouts and 3 walks. As you can see from the limited sample size of his pitching, the “Cuban Ohtani” title is a bit overblown. His main skill is playing the outfield and providing lefty power, which the Sox need more of.
Over the years, the White Sox have been very successful in making deals in the international market by bringing in Luis Robert, Yoelkis Cespedes, Yolbert Sanchez and the aforementioned Fernando Tatis Jr. The big reason why the Southside has been so successful is due to the scouting of Marco Paddy and fellow Cuban Jose Abreu creating a great Latin culture throughout this White Sox squad. The team’s young core of Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez all look up to Jose Abreu; he’s like a second father to them. This is what makes Latin Free Agents so attracted to this organization. Come 2022, the signing will hopefully become official and Colas will have a chance to help fortify the Sox system and should be a fast riser in the organization. Despite the bad news today on Jimenez’s injury, the Sox have committed to making a solid move for the future and have a fun and exciting season ahead of them.
Featured Photo: The Japan Times
