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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 16: Sam Antonacci #10 of Team Italy makes a play at shortstop to get out Jackson Chourio #1 of Team Venezuela at first base in the ninth inning at loanDepot park on March 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Chicago White Sox are calling up infield-turned-outfield prospect Sam Antonacci, Elijah Evans of JustBaseball.com reports. He’s set to be called up on Tuesday.
Antonacci, 23, was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB draft. He has consistently produced at the plate throughout his minor league career. In 2025, during Arizona Fall League play, Antonacci put up a 1.046 OPS against some of the best young talent in the game. A Coastal Carolina product, Antonacci will look to provide the Sox with some pop from the left side.
Chicago Needs Reinforcements
If the White Sox need anything right now, it’s offense. On April 11th, the day he was called up, the Sox were blanked by Kansas City. Veteran starter Michael Wacha tossed 8 scoreless innings the night after Kris Bubic dominated to the tune of 11 Ks.
The White Sox have young talent on their pitching staff. Although 2025 All-Star Shane Smith was recently demoted, the rest of the group is exciting. Davis Martin, Sean Burke, and the soon-to-debut Noah Schultz have shown lots of promise. Chi-Town is just waiting on the offense to catch up.
Antonacci will provide key depth in the infield and outfield. Through his first 11 games in AAA, he posted an OPS of .979 with 2 home runs. Antonacci has been taking reps in the outfield, which would help the White Sox immensely after offseason acquisition Austin Hays landed on the IL (Hamstring).
Antonacci participated in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with Team Italy. Although his tournament ended with an OPS in the .600s, it’ll be interesting to see how that experience contributes to his transition to The Show.
Antonacci’s flair for the big moment and his larger-than-life swings have intrigued the White Sox fandom for years. His hit tool grades out at a 55 according to MLB Pipeline. Pairing that with his newfound positional flexibility, he’ll be an asset for the big club.
It’s Time to Cash in on the Southside
The White Sox’s cold start has prompted them to make big decisions early in the season. It’s now or never to capitalize on the Munetaka Murakami deal. The Southside is doing everything it can to maximize its young talent.
Although some fans are concerned about Antonacci’s quick path to the big leagues, he’ll likely find success. He was five years younger than the average age in the World Baseball Classic and remained competitive. Blazing through the minors, Antonacci isn’t expected to provide tons of power potential in The Show. His skill set resides in positional flexibility, on-base percentage, and contact. He’s a tough out for any pitcher.
Interestingly enough, when Antonacci reached Birmingham in the Chi-Sox minor league system, he was supposed to struggle. The ballpark is often unfriendly to hitters and becomes a roadblock for developing talent. Antonacci thrived instead. He posted a 153 wRC+ and kept up the monster pace he’d had throughout the minors.
His track record of success no doubt played a role in his early promotion to the big leagues. Antonacci will slot into the White Sox outfield and likely fit into a platoon role.
