Scouting Report: Jacob Gonzalez

Summary

Jacob Gonzalez, the White Sox's 2023 first-round pick (15th overall), has experienced a significant breakthrough in 2026 after struggling for his first two-plus professional seasons. After posting weak offensive numbers (.238/.307/.343 in 2024 and .232/.307/.345 in 2025), Gonzalez has made major swing adjustments with hitting director Ryan Fuller, modeling his new stance after Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt. The changes include standing taller, leaning back in his setup, and adjusting his stride to combat his tendency to pull off the ball. In 2026, Gonzalez is off to a torrid start at .285/.404/.529 with 10 home runs through 36 games at Triple-A Charlotte. He was named White Sox Minor League Player of the Week (May 11-17, 2026) after going 10-for-21 with four home runs against Norfolk. Underlying metrics suggest his hot start is legitimate, with a career-high 46% fly-ball rate and a 19.6% strikeout rate. Conversations about a potential MLB debut as soon as 2026 have emerged, though questions remain about his defensive position at the big league level.