The Chicago White Sox have witnessed many elite prospects come and go over the past decade. While some, like Dylan Cease and Lucas Giolito, have become solid major leaguers, others—such as Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, and Eloy Jimenez—have failed to meet expectations in Chicago. Jimenez’s story is a prime example of this.

According to Mike Rodriguez of Univision Deportes, Jimenez has reportedly signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, which includes an invitation to major league spring training. This move marks another chapter in Jimenez’s career after he last played for the White Sox in 2024, serving as yet another reminder of the struggles the White Sox faced in scouting and developing talent during the previous regime.

Eloy Jimenez’s Tenure With the Chicago White Sox

Eloy Jimenez was once regarded as one of the top prospects in all of MLB. Ranked in the top four by Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, and Baseball Prospectus, Jimenez was expected to be a future star for the White Sox. His arrival in 2019 was highly anticipated, and he didn’t disappoint in his rookie season. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound slugger was considered the next big power hitter, and his rookie performance confirmed those expectations.

In 2019, Jimenez played 122 games, hitting .267 with 31 home runs and an .828 OPS. He finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, behind Brandon Lowe, John Means, and Yordan Alvarez. For White Sox fans, it seemed like they had finally found their next superstar.

The 2020 COVID-shortened season saw Jimenez continue to shine. In 55 games, he posted a .296 batting average, 14 home runs, and an .896 OPS, earning him the Silver Slugger award as an outfielder.

Declining Performance and Injury Struggles

Despite his offensive success in the early years, Jimenez’s defensive shortcomings began to overshadow his potential. He was always a poor defender, with -11 Outs Above Average in his rookie season and -3 in his sophomore year, according to Baseball Savant. But Jimenez’s refusal to transition into a designated hitter role, despite his defensive struggles, ultimately led to his downfall.

Over the next four seasons, Jimenez spent significant time on the Injured List due to various injuries, many of which occurred in the outfield or on the base paths. These injuries, combined with his inability to adjust his playing style, hindered his overall production. His power numbers began to decline, and in 2022, his highest slugging percentage was .500—well below the .513 he posted in his rookie year and the .559 from the 2020 season.

The Decline and Departure from Chicago

In total, Jimenez played 324 games over four seasons, with his offensive production steadily declining. His injury history and inconsistent performances led to his eventual departure from the White Sox. After being traded to the Baltimore Orioles, Jimenez struggled to find his rhythm and has since bounced around the AL East on minor league contracts.

Can Toronto Help Jimenez Return to Form?

Jimenez’s signing with the Toronto Blue Jays on a minor league deal is a low-risk, high-reward move for the team. Despite his past struggles, there is still potential for a resurgence if he can stay healthy. According to Rodriguez, Jimenez has made significant strides physically, shedding 40 pounds and looking in excellent condition. This weight loss may be a crucial factor in helping him return to form, as his bulkiness might have hindered his performance both offensively and in terms of staying on the field.

If Jimenez can maintain his newfound lean physique and avoid the injuries that have plagued him in the past, he has the potential to be a dangerous player in the major leagues once again. His early seasons with the White Sox demonstrated what he is capable of when healthy and in shape. The question remains: can he stay healthy long enough to rediscover that form with the Blue Jays?

A Fresh Start with the Blue Jays

For the Blue Jays, taking a chance on Jimenez is a smart move. With his potential still intact, the risk is minimal for a team looking to add depth to its lineup. If he can stay healthy and return to the player he was in 2019 and 2020, Jimenez could be a significant asset to the Blue Jays, who are continuously looking to bolster their roster for a championship push.

Jimenez’s career has been a tale of what-ifs, and his next opportunity with the Blue Jays could be his last chance to fulfill the potential that once made him a consensus top prospect. Whether or not he can do that remains to be seen, but with a fresh start in Toronto, there’s hope that Jimenez can finally overcome his injury woes and return to being the powerful hitter the White Sox envisioned when they acquired him.