Top outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez will open the 2019 season with the White Sox after Chicago revealed its Opening Day roster Tuesday.
Jimenez and the White Sox agreed to terms on a six-year, $43 million contract extension last week, a record for a player yet to make his major league debut. The 22-year-old has been in the organization since 2017, when he was acquired in the deal that sent left-hander Jose Quintana to the Chicago Cubs.
Jimenez previously had been slated to open the season at Triple-A Charlotte before signing his extension. He hit .243 with two home runs and six RBIs in 13 Cactus League games this spring.
Jimenez batted .337 with 22 home runs and 75 RBIs in 108 games last season between Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte. He is a .311 hitter in five minor league seasons with 65 home runs.
The White Sox said Jimenez will receive a $5 million bonus in addition to $1 million in 2019, $1.5 million in 2020, $3.5 million in 2021, $6.5 million in 2022, $9.5 million in 2023 and $13 million in 2024. The team holds options for $16.5 million in 2025 and $18.5 million in 2026, with $3 million buyouts for either season.
Right-hander Ian Hamilton (right shoulder inflammation) and outfielder Jon Jay (right hip strain) were placed on the 10-day injured list by Chicago, both retroactive to March 25.