The Chicago White Sox have adopted a strategy of seeking out overlooked talent, aiming to uncover hidden gems that can either become key pieces of their rebuild or valuable trade assets.
As part of this approach, the team has signed reclamation projects like Bryse Wilson, along with veteran outfielders Austin Slater and Mike Tauchman, to one-year contracts. The plan is to give them significant playing time in hopes of boosting their trade value, eventually flipping them at the trade deadline for promising prospects.
One intriguing free-agent target under the age of 25 that the White Sox should consider is former St. Louis Cardinals prospect Adam Kloffenstein. The 24-year-old right-hander was non-tendered by the Cardinals earlier this offseason despite a respectable showing in the minors. Kloffenstein joined the Cardinals in the 2023 trade that sent Jordan Hicks to the Toronto Blue Jays.
A former third-round pick out of Magnolia High School in Texas, Kloffenstein had a solid 2024 season, making 17 starts with a 4-5 record and a 4.75 ERA over 89.1 innings. Unfortunately, shoulder discomfort sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Despite this setback, his age and potential make him an intriguing addition for the White Sox.
Why the White Sox Should Target Kloffenstein
Kloffenstein, who stands 6’5”, has a three-pitch arsenal consisting of a sinker, curveball, and cutter. However, for him to succeed as a starter, he would likely need to add another pitch, such as a changeup or a four-seam fastball. A changeup—whether a straight change, circle change, splitter, or seam-shifted variant—would complement his existing pitches and help keep hitters off balance. Adding a four-seam fastball would also provide an option to attack hitters up in the zone.
The White Sox have a strong track record of identifying and developing pitching talent, with examples like Mark Buehrle, Chris Sale, and Garrett Crochet. Bringing Kloffenstein into the fold could help unlock his potential, either as a starter or a reliever. His minor league splits suggest he could excel in a bullpen role, as he showed effectiveness in late innings, posting a 3.86 ERA in the sixth inning and allowing no earned runs in limited work during the seventh and eighth innings.
Will the White Sox Pursue Kloffenstein?
While there has been no indication that the White Sox are targeting Kloffenstein, they should consider signing him. He would be a low-cost addition—likely on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training—and still has two minor league options available, offering roster flexibility. Given the team’s willingness to take chances on under-the-radar players, Kloffenstein represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to bolster their pitching depth and potentially uncover a hidden gem for the future.
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