Yoelqui Céspedes' goal: The Show in 2021

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Reaching the Majors stands as the ultimate baseball goal for Yoelqui Céspedes, the five-tool outfielder who checks in at No. 6 within MLB Pipeline’s new White Sox Top 30 prospects released on Wednesday.

He would like to achieve that goal during the 2021 season, which might be a bit of a reach for MLB.com’s No. 1 international prospect whose signing for $2.05 million was announced on Jan. 19. But the early reviews of the 23-year-old Cuban native’s work at Minor League mini-camp certainly should provide positive reinforcement for that goal.

“Since I’ve been around him, I’ve witnessed a disciplined player who believes in his work and plays the game with the right effort,” said White Sox assistant general manager/player development Chris Getz of the talented outfielder. “Our goal this year is to get him comfortable in the U.S. and White Sox organization to then allow him to be himself on the field.”

Mini-camp work for Céspedes usually begins around 8 a.m., depending on the schedule. He goes straight to the gym and then has stretching and throwing drills followed by getting on the field for regular batting practice.

“Very impressed,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “Just kind of his swing, the athleticism, the way he moves, he actually runs pretty well if not well. But then he took an at-bat in the game, the B game vs. the Dodgers [Sunday] and had a heck of an at-bat, base hit I think. He has hung in there, and you can tell he’s got loads of talent.”

La Russa also has watched Céspedes in a number of big league camp batting practices on the back fields of Camelback Ranch, where he’s taking swings when other Major League players are busy doing other workout things. So even with a focus on preparing what should be an elite ’21 squad, La Russa clearly has an idea about a potential impact future addition.

The positive reviews have been nice to hear for Céspedes. But even before the organization’s reinforcement, he had a confidence and drive pushing him toward the top.

“All the good things people said about me is something that made me feel good,” said Céspedes through interpreter Billy Russo during a recent interview with MLB.com. “It’s something that also brings forth my confidence level. You know you are doing things the right way.

“I’m the kind of person with the mentality if you are doing something do it good. Do your best. If not, it’s not worth doing it. That’s the only way you can have success. All that positive talk is good. It reinforces my dedication and my commitment to work hard and to do things the way I know I can do it.”

White Sox center fielder Luis Robert, third baseman Yoán Moncada and first baseman and team leader José Abreu, all of whom are fellow natives of Cuba, have had talks with Céspedes during Spring Training. But it’s more small talk, per Céspedes.

Yoenis Céspedes, Yoelqui’s older half-brother who has 165 career home runs, 528 RBIs and an .824 OPS over eight seasons, had an open workout in Florida about one week ago with the White Sox in attendance. Yoelqui responded “Yeah, of course” in English when asked if he would like to have Yoenis as a White Sox teammate.

Right-handed hurler Norge Vera, another member of the White Sox most recent international signing class and Cuban native, also was a newcomer to the White Sox Top 30 list at No. 11. Right-hander Caleb Freeman (No. 26) and left-hander Bailey Horn (No. 30) represent the other newcomers.

First baseman Andrew Vaughn, right-hander Michael Kopech, second baseman Nick Madrigal and left-hander Garrett Crochet rate as the White Sox Top 4 prospects, with the quartet expected to help the White Sox from the season’s outset. Right-handers Jared Kelley (No. 5), Matthew Thompson (No. 7), Jonathan Stiever (No. 8) and Andrew Dalquist (No. 9) and outfielder Micker Adolfo round out the team’s Top 10.

That No. 6 spot belongs to Céspedes, who could begin the season at High Class A Winston-Salem, although evaluations continue. Right now, Céspedes simply is enjoying playing baseball again.

“I don’t quit until I reach my goals. That’s my purpose,” said Céspedes of the Majors. “I’m going to keep working hard to reach my goals and of course reaching the Major Leagues is my biggest goal. Now that I’m able to play again, it feels super, super good.”

“This is a player that [special assistant to the general manager/international signings] Marco [Paddy] and his scouts have been following for some time and believe can become an impactful Major League player,” Getz said. “If he remains focused on his craft and our group can provide him with what he needs to be comfortable, he has a chance to really thrive.”