Local White Sox prospect George Wolkow has “all-star” ceiling

GLENDALE, Ariz. — There are markers and milestones along the way, and for big George Wolkow, age 19, playing in a Cactus League game in a White Sox uniform Saturday was a big one.

At 6-7, everyone notices, even when it’s in the seventh inning of an 18-9 game and, as a minor league extra, there’s no name on the back of the jersey, only a goofy jersey number, 95.

“I’ll take anything right now,” Wolkow said.

The left-handed hitting Wolkow singled to left field against right-hander Jesse Hahn.

Drafted in the seventh round out of Downers Grove North two years ago – one scouting report said Wolkow said “power upside is massive” and “great student” when he was a junior — Wolkow batted .257/.357/.451 with 13 home runs, 18 doubles, 56 RBI and nine stolen bases in 91 games between the Sox’ Rookie-level Arizona Complex League team and Kannapolis in his second year in the minor leagues. He also struck out 158 times, a rate he wants to cut.

Minor league extras fill out game-day rosters during spring training. When the veterans are free to leave after playing a few innings, guys like Wolkow often step in. For them, it’s a big deal. The Sox played the Mariners Saturday at Peoria Stadium

“It’s cool just being on the field, seeing Ichiro across the field,” Wolkow, the Sox’ No. 9 prospect per MLB Pipelie, said. “Playing left field with Julio Rodriguez up to bat. The kid in me loves that. Just never take that for granted.”

It’s a good perspective to hold on to.

“It’s cool being 19 and playing in a big league game, but there’s not a big chance I’m going to play in Chicago this year being realistic,” Wolkow said. “Just try not to look too far ahead.”

There’s no chance, frankly — it’s much too soon — but it doesn’t mean Wolkow’s day won’t come.

“In terms of ceiling I think he has the ability to be a homegrown all-star player, which would be a great story,” said Paul Janish, the Sox’ player development director. “Pretty cool to see him get into a big league spring training game for the first time.”

That’s a high ceiling, but if knowing what it takes to at least make a run at star status counts for anything, Wolkow seems to have that going for him.

“George continues to impress us with his makeup and desire to get better,” Janish said. “He loves to work. It’s impressive to see a young player that wants to be great but understands the path will be hard and he embraces it.”

Wolkow has his eye on the path to the White Sox, who have lagged bringing hitters through the ranks of their organization to the big leagues.

“If I can have the mentality just to go out and dominate each day, whether it’s on the back field in Camelback Ranch or out here playing the Mariners, I think just that mentality will help me get to my goals the best way possible,” Wolkow said, “and it’s easy to look ahead and say I’m going to go play in Chicago. I got a hit in a big league game.”

Wolkow was a hit at SoxFest Live this winter, where his poise and maturity beyond were evident. Sox minor league instructors have raved about his ability and makeup for some time.

“George is special,” said Devin DeYoung, a Mets minor league hitting instructor who was worked with Wolkow the last two seasons as instructor in the Sox player development department. “He has a chance to be one of the greats.”