Forgotten White Sox prospect tied to 3-time All-Star released after 6 seasons

A decade ago, the Chicago White Sox made a franchise altering decision when they acquired RHP James Shields from the San Diego Padres in exchange for RHP Erik Johnson and 3B Fernando Tatis Jr. At the time, Tatis Jr was a teenage prospect playing at the Rookie level of the minor leagues, but he’s since gone on to be a three time All-Star and two time platinum glove award winner with the Padres.

In hopes of capitalizing on the same family talent, Chicago sign Wilfred Veras out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2019. Veras is a first cousin to Tatis Jr, and initially showed great promise as a prospect as he put on a huge display of power. Unfortunately, his production fizzled out over time and he now has been released by the White Sox organization after six seasons in the minors.

The White Sox have released OF Wilfred Veras.

— Ian Eskridge (@dailywhitesox) June 14, 2026

Chicago White Sox release once promising outfield prospect Wilfred Veras

After a strong showing at the Rookie level in 2021, where Veras posted a .322/.416/.533 slash line over 46 games, Veras put on a huge display of power in years following. Between Single-A and Double-A competition, Veras belted 20 home runs in 2022 and 17 in 2023. In strictly Double-A in 2024 that number dropped to 16, but then a huge drop off in production followed in 2025 when he slashed a career worst .215/.293/.327 with nine home runs.

Before his release this year, Veras was once again slumping. Through 45 games in Double-A, he owned a .219/.281/350 slash line. Strikeout were also a growing concerning, coming in at 30.8% this year, which was similar to years prior.

While Veras never developed into the impact prospect the White Sox had hoped for, his release serves as another reminder of how difficult projecting young talent can be. The raw power that once made him an intriguing prospect was evident throughout his minor league career, but persistent swing-and-miss issues ultimately prevented him from taking the next step. Now a free agent, Veras will look to revive his career elsewhere.

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