CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- White Sox top prospect Eloy Jimenez has always carried himself with confidence. Another trait he will need to display now is continued patience.
Jimenez, 22, has dominated minor league pitching for the better part of three seasons but isn't expected to receive his big league call-up until late April or early May. That's because if the White Sox delay his arrival, they'll control him for an extra year on the back end of his contract.
Jimenez is rather unconcerned about the service time manipulation tactic.
"If they make that decision, I will accept that," Jimenez said. "I will continue to play hard. When I get there, I will do my best. It is one of my goals to break with the team. If not again, I will accept it."
Jimenez's situation is almost identical to that of Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant in 2015, when he remained in the minor league for a couple weeks before debuting on April 17 of that season. Jimenez wasn't aware of Bryant's situation but did express an understanding of the process despite being "a little" disappointed that he didn't get called up in 2018, when he hit .337 with 22 homers, 75 RBIs and a .961 OPS in 108 games split between Double-A and Triple-A.
"That is not my decision," Jimenez said. "That was a team decision. I disagreed with it, but I accepted it. This year, it's all going to be good.
"I do not want to rush my time or my development process. When the time comes and they call me, I will be ready to do my best. I feel ready. I want to improve my defense because I don't want to only DH."
Jimenez has spent the offseason adhering to a conditioning and dietary plan set forward by the team's officials, with the goal of addressing some past injury and weight issues. Jimenez dealt with pectoral and hip injuries in 2018.
"I have spent a lot of time running and staying in good shape," Jimenez said. "I will be ready to compete in spring training."
Jimenez expressed his goal of being the American League Rookie of the Year in an interview with NBC Sports Chicago. When he joins the White Sox, he will fill an everyday corner outfield spot and likely a slot in the middle of the lineup.
"I have a couple of goals like every year," Jimenez said. "I want to make sure I swing at pitches in the strike zone. I will stay in the zone more and hopefully hit for average, home runs and RBI.
"My goal is to one day be one of the best players."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
