Sam Antonacci wasted no time making a splash at White Sox camp, smashing a no-doubt home run in his first Spring Training at-bat. Facing Cubs starter Jameson Taillon in the second inning, Antonacci launched a towering 417-foot, two-run homer, clocking in at 110 mph off the bat-complete with a confident bat flip.
Coming into camp as the White Sox’s No. 11 prospect, Antonacci is riding high from a strong previous season. He posted a .291/.433/.409 slash line across three levels, finishing at Double-A Birmingham with an impressive .819 OPS over 49 games. His momentum continued in the Arizona Fall League, where he led all players in hits and stolen bases, notching 28 hits, 14 RBIs, and 11 steals.
While it’s early days in the Cactus League, Antonacci’s power surge is promising. He only hit five homers in the minors last year but added three more in the AFL. Friday’s blast suggests this newfound power might be here to stay.
At 22, Antonacci is already seen as a key piece for the White Sox’s future. But can a strong spring earn him a spot on the Opening Day roster?
As a non-roster invitee yet to play above Double-A, he faces a crowded infield. Primarily a middle infielder, Antonacci has also played first and third base, but the infield is currently locked down by Munetaka Murakami, Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, and Miguel Vargas.
Lenyn Sosa and Brooks Baldwin add depth, making Antonacci’s path even trickier.
The White Sox might consider moving Antonacci to the outfield to fast-track his MLB arrival. The infield logjam could extend into 2027, especially if they draft UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick, potentially shifting Montgomery to third base. Antonacci’s athleticism and versatility make him a strong candidate for an outfield switch, unlike some past projects.
The outfield is more fluid, with former top prospects and experienced players like Lamonte Wade Jr. in the mix. With Benintendi shifting to DH, there’s open competition for outfield spots, and Antonacci could fit right in.
Converting to a new position while adjusting to major league pitching is challenging, but Antonacci’s advanced plate approach and knack for barreling the ball make him well-suited for the task. His disciplined left-handed swing aligns with the White Sox’s emphasis on strike zone control.
Antonacci’s grit is evident, not just in his hitting but also in his aggressive base running. He was hit by 35 pitches in 2025, a testament to his toughness that dates back to his college days at Coastal Carolina. His competitive edge contributed to Birmingham’s Southern League championship, where he played a crucial role.
Antonacci’s shot at the 2026 Opening Day roster depends on his power development this spring. Even if he doesn’t make it, transitioning to the outfield could be a strategic move for the White Sox as they build a roster focused on athleticism and adaptability.