(670 The Score) As the White Sox make plans for their 2021 roster, they aren't writing the name of 22-year-old Andrew Vaughn with any permanent ink.
"He's in pencil," White Sox manager Tony La Russa said.
Of course, the White Sox are hoping to see Vaughn write his name in pen ahead of Opening Day.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 MLB amateur draft, Vaughn has just 245 minor league plate appearances and 55 games under his belt since being selected out of Cal. He spent the 2020 season working at the White Sox's alternate site in Schaumburg, where he faced MLB-caliber pitching every day.
Vaughn joined the White Sox organization as an accomplished hitter in college, having posted a slash line of .374/.495/.688 across three years with the Golden Bears. He then asserted himself well in the minors, with a .278/.384/.449 slash line in time split between rookie ball, low-A and high-A in 2019.
While Vaughn has plenty of talent and a strong track record, he and the White Sox understand that him making a considerable jump to the big leagues will be a challenge.
"You got to go out there and have trust," Vaughn said. "Trust the work I put in, trust the work we've been doing here and just know if we go out there and play the game right, take everything seriously, it will all work out. Trust the process.
"It's just a challenge. It's a battle every day. You have to go out there and take it one day at a time, one at-bat at a time, one pitch at a time and then just progress, learn from the mistakes, learn from the things you did good.
"The mentality here right now is World Series or bust. So, everybody's behind you if you're behind everybody else."
Reigning American League MVP Jose Abreu currently occupies Vaughn's most comfortable position of first base. That leaves Vaughn as the leading candidate to be the designated hitter for the White Sox in 2021, a position that remains open after the team passed on an opportunity to pursue veteran Nelson Cruz in free agency. La Russa mentioned Jake Burger and Gavin Sheets as competition for Vaughn at designated hitter.
The White Sox could also utilize Vaughn in a more versatile role that includes playing third base or the outfield in addition to filling the designated hitter role and being the backup first baseman. In the mind of La Russa, proving he has versatility would be an asset in Vaughn's quest to make the Opening Day roster.
"He's got to earn his way on the club," La Russa said. "There's no doubt in my mind, sooner rather than later, he's going to be a real productive hitter.
"Every day, go out there and make an impression."
Moncada feeling 'stronger'
White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada played in 52 games last season despite struggling with a lack of energy after he contracted and recovered from COVID-19.
Now, Moncada reported to White Sox spring training this week feeling like himself again.
"I am prepared for 162-plus games," Moncada said. "I feel stronger."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
