GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- The path to the big leagues is clear for White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez as he enters spring training with the knowledge that his dream of playing in the majors is close to becoming a reality.
"I am preparing my body to play 162 games," Jimenez told reporters Saturday as position players started to filter into camp. "There is really no pressure on me. I just focus on my job and try to work hard. I will be ready for the moment, assuming I get there. I will keep doing what I have been doing for my whole career."
Jimenez, 22, will likely start his career in Chicago around April 15. Waiting until around that time will allow the White Sox to gain an extra year of contract control on the back end of his contract before he becomes eligible for free agency.
White Sox brass does view Jimenez as big league-ready, though there are a few parts of his game that need some fine-tuning.
"I still must work on my defense, hitting and body," Jimenez said. "I have been working hard on my defense, and I think I am just one step away from playing well in the majors."
Jimenez's record indicates he will hit for power and average as soon as he arrives. His durability is a concern due to minor injuries during his time in the minor leagues.
The White Sox also have implemented nutrition and conditioning programs for him to adhere to.
"My eating habits were bad because I ate a lot of food with fat in it," Jimenez said. "I ate too many things like burgers and now have changed my diet to lettuce and broccoli. It was a hard change, but now I feel really good. My body is healthy now. It was hard the first few weeks I changed it last year, but now I am fine."
Teammates are looking forward to Jimenez joining the White Sox this April. Right-hander Michael Kopech called Jimenez the Babe Ruth of his generation, and Jimenez returned the compliment by saying Kopech will be the next Nolan Ryan.
Then there's veteran outfielder Jon Jay, who recalled seeing Jimenez coming up with the Cubs organization before Jimenez's trade to the White Sox in July 2017.
Jay sees Jimenez as MLB-ready.
"The players who are on the team tell me to just be myself," Jimenez said. "They say don't try to do too much. They tell me to try and control my emotions."
The hard work has paid off for Jimenez, who hit a combined .337 with a .961 OPS at Double-A and Triple-A last season. Durability will be the main hurdle for him as he begins a crucial spring training.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
