'Next level' stuff has Colas pushing for RF spot

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Any fans trying to find Oscar Colas during Spring Training workouts for the White Sox or upcoming Cactus League games should set their sights on jersey No. 76.

But if the 24-year-old breaks camp as the White Sox starting right fielder, he would prefer No. 44.

“That’s the number I was using last year, and you know from Double-A all the way up,” Colas said through interpreter Billy Russo. “And I got good results with that number.”

Don’t think Colas has jumped to March 30 and Opening Day in Houston by talking about a potential big league jersey number. Colas understands the challenge ahead and he has been working tirelessly to earn this opportunity.

Colas, ranked as the club's No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, took little time off after posting an impressive .314/.371/.524 slash line with 23 home runs, 24 doubles, 79 RBIs and 81 runs scored across 2022 stops at High-A Winston-Salem, Double-A Birmingham and 31 at-bats for Triple-A Charlotte. His personal workouts were supplemented by hitting sessions in Miami with teammate Luis Robert, as well as working with White Sox Major League field coordinator Mike Tosar and hitting coach José Castro in sessions including teammate Romy Gonzalez.

“They all had the reports of how the season went for you and the areas you need to improve upon,” Colas said. “They identified -- and I knew it -- that I needed to be more selective with pitches that I wanted to swing at. We focused on that during this offseason. They have a very good team of staff there, and that helped me, put me in a better position now.

“It was very important to start getting to know each other. They know me as an athlete. But now they kind of know me as a person, too. That’s good. I think the relationship is good and the way that we communicate in Spanish made things way easier. That’s important because the communication is direct.”

That hitting process for Colas evolved throughout his White Sox Minor League debut. He went from thinking “just hit homers” to hitting the ball throughout the field.

Justin Jirschele, who was Colas’ manager with Birmingham and has moved to Triple-A Charlotte this season, said Colas can do a lot of things and impact the game in a lot of different ways in a positive manner.

“Everything he does is next level. He can carry a team both offensively and defensively,” Jirschele said. “He brings a ton of energy. He’s a competitor. He wants to win. He shows up every day wanting to win. His teammates love him.

“I know when he’s going good, he’s constantly smiling and having fun, and things come a little bit more naturally for him. He’s a spectacular talent and I’m excited to see what’s in store for him coming up.”

As baseball's No. 85 prospect overall, there are inherent expectations built into Colas’ arrival. He’s ready for whatever the challenge might bring, buoyed by a strong veteran lineup where he can fit in instead of needing to stand out.

Robert and Colas have been friends well beyond their offseason workouts, with Colas stating they are “like brothers, like family.” And Colas has the right demeanor to mesh with this group, not to mention the left-handed power bat.

“I’ve thought about it. That’s part of my dream,” Colas said of reaching the Majors. “Sometimes you think that it’s not real. But I’m here working for that and that’s going to be a big accomplishment for me and my family, and all the people who have been supporting me.”

Catcher Seby Zavala currently sports No. 44, so Colas might have to pick another number or do a little negotiating to get that one. But he’s currently No. 76, assuming nothing in the midst of a roster competition.

“There's no BS about him. He comes here to work,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “This is what he loves to do. He takes pride in it. He asks a lot of good questions. He's extremely detailed for a young kid. Obviously, he's got ability. I'm looking forward to watching him progress this spring.”

“I really put in a lot of work to get to this point,” Colas said. “It was not a surprise. I knew this time would come.”