White Sox name Justin Jirschele, 27, minor-league coach of year

The White Sox named 27-year-old Class A Kannapolis manager Justin Jirschele Minor League Coach of the Year and Phil Gulley Scout of the Year Thursday.

In his first season as manager, Jirschele led Kannapolis to a first-half division title and a berth in the South Atlantic League finals. Gulley recommended and/or signed fourth-round pick Lincoln Henzman, sixth-rounder Kade McClure and 16^th-round pick Logan Taylor in 2017.

“Justin’s attitude, work ethic, attention to detail and overall leadership skills have been a tremendous asset to the White Sox organization,” Sox Director of Player Development Chris Getz said. “His ability to guide Kannapolis to the postseason in his first year as a manager proves that he has a bright future ahead as a leader on the field and in the clubhouse.”

Jirschele is the youngest manager in professional baseball. He is the son of Royals coach Mike Jirschele.

In other news, the Sox declined the 2018 club option on catcher Geovany Soto and reinstated outfielder Charlie Tilson and right-hander Zach Putnam from the 60-day disabled list.

Right-hander Mike Pelfrey (3-12, 5.93 ERA in 2017) filed for free agency on the first day players could file, and Soto also became a free agent.

Soto, 34, missed most of the season, his second stint with the Sox, with an elbow injury that required surgery.

The Sox 40-man roster is at 34.