SL1 Birmingham Barons

Barons Announce 2018 Opening Day Roster

Published on April 2, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Birmingham Barons News Release


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Birmingham Barons, Double-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, are proud to announce the tentative 2018 Opening Day roster prior to Tuesday night's scrimmage against UAB.

The Barons are led by six of the White Sox' top 30 prospects, according to MLB.com. The roster of 28 players features 14 pitchers, three catchers, six infielders, and five outfielders. Transactions will be made in the coming days to trim the roster to 25 ahead of Opening Day at Chattanooga on Thursday. Eighteen players have previously suited up for the Magic City, while 10 new faces will don a Birmingham jersey for the first time.

Catcher Zack Collins returns to Birmingham making a case to be the Barons starting catcher. The White Sox No. 9 prospect was named an All-Star at Advanced-A Winston-Salem last year. Also behind the plate will be No. 23 prospect Seby Zavala, who makes the jump to the Double-A for the first time in his career.

Matt Rose will lead a talented Barons infield after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the Jose Quintana trade last season. Another infielder acquired in that trade, Bryant Flete, will also look to build upon his All-Star season at Advanced-A Myrtle Beach in 2017.

In the outfield, Tito Polo will gun for his third straight All-Star appearance and first at the Double-A level after being acquired as part of the Todd Frazier trade with the New York Yankees last July. One of three Barons with Major League experience, Ryan Brett joins the Barons in his first season in the White Sox organization after an injury-plagued 2017 season in the Tampa Bay Rays' organization.

On the mound, manager Ryan Newman will have a strong mix of veterans and up-and-coming talent keeping the opposing bats at bay. The starting rotation features numerous top prospects including southpaw Ian Clarkin (White Sox No. 17 prospect), righty Spencer Adams (White Sox. No. 15 prospect), and right-hander Jordan Stephens (White Sox No. 22 prospect).

In the bullpen, right-handers Jorge Rondón and Brad Goldberg have Major League experience, while No. 21 prospect Ian Hamilton will build on his first season in Double-A last year.

The Barons open their season this Thursday night with a 5:15 p.m. road matchup against the Chattanooga Lookouts. The Barons return to Regions Field for their home opener on Wednesday, April 11 at 7:05 p.m. against the Montgomery Biscuits. The ticket office at Regions Field is open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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