White Sox Prospect Sam Antonacci Could Impact 2024 Roster
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The Chicago White Sox are considering prospect Sam Antonacci as a potential contributor for the 2024 season. General Manager Chris Getz highlighted the need to balance the lineup, noting the redundancy of right-handed hitters in the infield.
Antonacci, the Sox fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft, has quickly ascended through the farm system, finishing the regular season at Double-A Birmingham with an impressive batting line of .292/.435/.381.
Getz praised Antonacci's performance, stating he has been outstanding and mentioning him as a left-handed bat that could address the team's needs. Notably, Antonacci has yet to make an appearance at Triple-A, yet his recent success in the Arizona Fall League, where he slashed .378/.505/.541 in 19 games, has drawn attention.
The player demonstrated exceptional contact skills and positional versatility, primarily at second base. Antonacci expressed his comfort in playing multiple positions and emphasized his enjoyment of learning from experienced infielders.
Despite concerns over his power numbers, his ability to avoid chasing pitches out of the strike zone could make him a valuable asset, especially considering the White Sox's struggles with left-handed hitting last season, where they averaged .230/.317/.385.
As the Sox explore their options this offseason, Getz indicated that while they are developing corner infielders Miguel Vargas and Curtis Mead, a left-handed hitter like Antonacci could complement their efforts.
Given the Sox's likely budgetary constraints in free agency, Antonacci represents an intriguing in-house option that could allow them to allocate resources elsewhere. While he hasn't established himself in the majors yet, his performance in the AFL suggests he is ready to take the next step.
Antonacci remains focused on his development, stating he wants to be recognized as a productive big-leaguer who contributes to a championship in Chicago and is dedicated to further improvement. As the White Sox prepare for the upcoming season, Antonacci's rapid progression and skill set could prove to be a key factor in their roster composition.