Under the Radar details players in the Chicago White Sox system who may have suffered setbacks, gotten lost in the shuffle, or just haven’t surfaced as significant prospects as of yet. Next up is Taylor Varnell, who has excelled with the AZL Sox in his inaugural professional season.
Taylor Varnell (LHP) — AZL White Sox
For the past couple years, it seems the White Sox have pulled rabbits out of their hats and discovered some late-round magic. For example, recent picks from the 20th round and beyond include:
2016: Matt Foster (20), RHRP; Joel Booker (22), OF; Mike Morrison (27), RHRP
2017: John Parke (21), LHSP; Laz Rivera (28), SS; Parker Rigler (31), LHSP
2018: Nick Johnson (21), RHRP; Rigo Fernandez (24), LHRP; Ian Dawkins (27), OF; Logan Sowers (28), OF; Taylor Varnell (29), LHP; Bryce Bush (33), 3B
Of course, it’s too early to say the players above were absolute steals, because they’ve yet to play any major league games.