White Sox: Should Tim Elko Get the Call-Up Over Struggling Andrew Vaughn?

The Chicago White Sox are off to another rough start in 2025, and with first baseman Andrew Vaughn struggling mightily at the plate, fans are starting to look toward Triple-A Charlotte for a spark.

Enter Tim Elko, a power-hitting prospect whos tearing up the International League with the Charlotte Knights.

With Elkos impressive .354 batting average and nine home runs in just 23 games, could a call-up be on the horizon? Lets compare his performance to Vaughns early 2025 numbers and explore whether the Sox should make a bold move to shake up their lineup.

Andrew Vaughns Early 2025 Struggles Andrew Vaughn, the White Soxs third overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, has been a cornerstone of the teams lineup since his debut in 2021.

Signed through 2025 on a 1-year, $5.85 million contract (ARB), the 27-year-old first baseman was expected to anchor the infield with consistent production.

However, his 2025 season has been a disappointment so far.

Through late April, Vaughn is hitting just .155 with a dismal .480 OPS , managing only three home runs and 11 RBI.

While hes shown a slight uptick recently, collecting five hits in a 4-game span earlier this week, his overall numbers pale in comparison to his career averages (.248 batting average, 75 HRs, 285 RBIs).

Vaughns inability to find his groove has left a gaping hole in the middle of the White Sox batting order, raising questions about whether a change at first base could provide the jolt this team desperately needs.

Tim Elkos Triple-A Dominance Meanwhile, down in Triple-A Charlotte, Tim Elko is making a strong case for a promotion.

The 26-year-old first baseman, invited to White Sox Spring Training as a non-roster invitee in January 2025 , has been a standout for the Knights this season.

In 23 games this season, Elko is batting an eye-popping .354, with nine home runs, 20 RBIs, and 29 hits.

His power numbers are even more impressive, a .732 slugging percentage and a 1.164 OPS, while his .432 on-base percentage shows a disciplined approach at the plate.

TIM ELKO DOES IT AGAIN!! Elko Launches a 2-run HR on the first pitch he sees! Knights take an early 2-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/6rQCl5mair Elkos recent performances highlight his raw strength and potential to translate that success to the majors.

Though his Spring Training stint with the big club was limited (one HR in 12 at-bats, five strikeouts), his consistent production in Charlotte suggests he might be ready for a shot.

For a White Sox team starving for offensive firepower, Elkos stats are hard to ignore.

Head-to-Head: Elko vs.

Vaughn in 2025 Lets break down the numbers side by side for a clearer picture of how these two first basemen stack up in 2025: Batting Average : Vaughn - .155 | Elko - .354 Elkos average is more than double Vaughns, showing a far greater ability to make contact and get on base consistently.

Home Runs: Vaughn - 3 | Elko - 9 Elkos power output significantly outpaces Vaughns, with three times as many homers in a smaller sample of games.

RBIs: Vaughn - 11 | Elko - 20 Elko is driving in runs at an elite clip, a stark contrast to Vaughns meager contribution in the middle of the White Sox lineup.

OPS: Vaughn - .480 | Elko - 1.164 This stat encapsulates the massive gap.

Elkos on-base and slugging combo signals a complete hitter, while Vaughns OPS reflects his struggles across the board.

Of course, Triple-A stats dont always translate directly to MLB success, and Vaughn faces tougher pitching in the majors.

Still, the disparity is striking, and Elkos numbers suggest he could at least provide a temporary boost or force Vaughn to elevate his game through competition.

Why Call Up Elko? The Case for a Shake-Up News flash: the 2025 White Sox season isnt shaping up to be a contending year, which makes it the perfect time to test a talent like Elko.

With recent roster moves, such as recalling LHP Jared Shuster and OF Greg Jones from Charlotte, the organization has shown a willingness to give minor leaguers a chance.

Elko, whos been part of the systems development pipeline and earned a Spring Training invite, fits the mold of a prospect ready for a trial run.

Calling up Elko could serve multiple purposes.

First, it might light a fire under Vaughn, whose recent mini-hot streak earlier this week could be a sign hes turning a corner, or prove to be a false hope (0-6, 2 BB this past weekend).

Second, it allows the Sox to evaluate Elko against MLB pitching, assessing whether his Triple-A dominance is a fluke or a sign of a future everyday player.

For a fanbase frustrated by another losing season, a fresh face with Elkos power potential could inject some much-needed excitement into Rate Field, and maybe the chance for some fireworks.

Potential Risks and Counterarguments There are reasons for caution.

Elkos limited Spring Training sample showed swing-and-miss tendencies (five strikeouts in 12 at-bats), and the jump from Triple-A to the big leagues often exposes holes in a hitters game.

Vaughn, despite his struggles, has a proven MLB track record (albeit not the greatest), may just be in a prolonged slump, and allowing him some time to figure it out may help the White Sox in the long run, should the former first-round pick figure it out at the plate.

With team control running through 2027, the Sox technically have time to let him work through issues without rushing a replacement.

Additionally, manager Will Venable and the front office might prioritize defensive stability at first base, Vaughns primary position, over offensive upside, especially if Elkos glove isnt yet ready.

Recent roster moves have focused more on pitching and outfield depth, suggesting Elko isnt at the top of the call-up list just yet.

Whats Next for the White Sox Lineup? For now, Tim Elko remains in Charlotte, continuing to mash while awaiting his opportunity.

Andrew Vaughn has a short window to prove his recent improvement isnt a mirage; if his bat stays cold, fan clamor for Elko will only grow louder.

The White Sox front office, known for deliberate roster decisions, might wait until midseason to make a move, as things can and will likely only continue to go downhill from now until then.

Could Elko be the answer at first base, or is Vaughns leash longer than fans think? One thing is clear: with numbers like Elkos in Triple-A, the conversation around a call-up isnt just speculation, its a legitimate debate.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission..

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