'Sox Across The Nation: Week Eight
By: Luke Stefanisko and Ben Rekosh
Minor League Baseball around the country kicked into full gear this weekend, and the Tom Sox are proud to have been a small part of nearly 40 players’ baseball journeys.
From athletes that won a VBL Championship with the ‘Sox in 2019 and have become a true veteran, to talent that got drafted just last year and are still trying to make a name for themselves… the organization is represented well from coast to coast.
It is impossible to keep up with the success of everyone that stepped foot in Charlottesville, but we’ll try to keep a pulse on what’s happening at every level for former Tom Sox.
Cooper Ingle, C, Columbus Clippers, ‘Sox Class of 2021
After having a great Spring Training, Ingle has been off to a hot start for the Guardians’ Triple-A affiliate. He’s currently ranked on mlb.com as the 5th best prospect in Cleveland’s organization.
The Clippers, a member of the West Division in the International League, boast a 7-3 record through two weeks of play, and Ingle has been a major part of that success. He has notched six runs, seven hits, and eight RBIs in eight games. Impressively, he also has 11 walks with only 18 total at bats.
Ingle has hit two home runs this season, and they came on back-to-back days during Columbus’ homestand against Indianapolis over the weekend. The first was a rocket to left field that came in a 7-5 victory on Saturday; the second came on Sunday as one of only two runs in a 7-2 loss.
James Taussig, UTIL, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, ‘Sox Class of 2024
Taussig was signed to the Chicago White Sox organization shortly following the 2025 MLB Draft, after he graduated from UTSA in the Spring when Taussig had a career year and the Roadrunners made a Super Regional.
So far in 2026, Taussig has played in one game, he had one plate appearance, and he has one hit: a no doubt two-run home run. It came in the 7th inning as part of a 19-2 victory on Opening Weekend.
Editor’s note: The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers is one of the best names of a franchise at any level in sports. Plus, the synergy of the name with the logo and mascot is top tier. Kudos to MiLB for doing things right.
Zach Root, LHP, Great Lakes Loons, ‘Sox Class of 2023
The Arkansas product is one of the best players to ever come through Charlottesville; he finished with a 1.50 ERA during his summer with the ‘Sox. He has hit the ground running with the Dodgers organization since Los Angeles drafted him 40th overall in July.
In his professional debut on March 22nd in a Spring Breakout game, Root struck out eight batters in three innings of work. The statline tied the Spring Breakout single-game strikeout record in the Dodgers’ 11-10 win.
So far at the High-A level, the southpaw standout only has thrown in one game. He started, pitched three innings, and gave up three runs on April 5th. Root is currently the 13th ranked prospect in the Dodgers organization and has given fans a lot to look forward to.
Davian Garcia, RHP, Harrisburg Senators, ‘Sox Class of 2023
Mainly coming out of the bullpen during his time in Charlottesville, Garcia became an integral part of FGCU’s rotation in 2024 and then was drafted in the 6th round by the Nationals. He has spent time in low-A, high-A, single-A, and now double-A since joining the organization.
The righty had an impressive spring training in West Palm Beach, and has made one appearance this season for Harrisburg. He struck out five batters in 4.2 innings of work, and only allowed one run and three hits.
Garcia will hopefully give our nation’s capital a lot to cheer for in years to come!
Be sure to follow the Tom Sox on social media and visit tomsox.org for the latest; ‘Sox Around the Nation will publish every Wednesday.
Thank you to everyone who reads ‘Sox Across the Nation on a weekly basis. This is the 8th edition of the series, meaning we are two months into doing this consistently. It has been a ton of fun to produce, and a great way to feature people that have made an impact on the Charlottesville community.
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