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Youth surge persists: Sam Antonacci gets promoted
TL;DR
Sam Antonacci has been promoted to the Chicago White Sox from Triple-A after an impressive performance in 2025 and spring 2026. He is the third prospect called up this season, following Noah Schultz.
Sam Antonacci mashed for all of 2025 and into spring 2026, and is now rewarded with a trip to The Show. | (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The South Side isnât messing around with its prospects.
If last year was a youth wave, this year promises to bring a youth tsunami. On Wednesday, Springfield native Sam Antonacci was the third prospect of the 2026 season to be called up from Triple-A, immediately following the long-awaited arrival of Noah Schultz.
Antonacciâs breakout in the minors last year had everyone at SSS hoping and waiting for him to debut for the White Sox, and his time is now. After a brilliant cup of coffee at Low-A Kannapolis after the draft, Antonacci crushed it in his first and only full season of affiliate ball, in 2025. His .291/.433/.409 slash line and 48 stolen bases across Rookie, High-A and Double-A ball won him MiLBâs Southern League Player of the Week in June, a Southern Atlantic League All-Star nod in September and the very coveted SSSâs Minor League Player of the Week in July.
If not for a fella named Caleb Bonemer, Antonacci very like would have been our SSS Player of the Year in the minors.
Still, last yearâs stats pale in comparison to his strong Triple-A start in 2026. After impressing in Spring Training and getting some international notice as a member of Italyâs surprising WBC squad, Antonacci reported to Triple-A and mashed: .313 with a towering .500 OBP and 15 walks, and a .341 BABIP â beware, pitchers! The patient Swiss Army knife of a player is also diversifying his glove work from the infield to now leaning heavily in left field, with 11 of his 14 games played coming there. The writing is clearly on the wall for Andrew Benintendi, but Will Venable will have his chance to play musical chairs with the lineup.
To make room for Antonacci, the White Sox designated outfielder Dustin Harris for assignment.
Between Antonacciâs composure at the plate and track record for being one of the most reliable hitters in the minor league system, he should be just the spark plug needed to keep this offense out of long, dry spells.
Q&A
What are Sam Antonacci's achievements leading to his promotion?
Sam Antonacci excelled in 2025 and continued his strong performance into spring 2026, which led to his promotion to the Chicago White Sox.
Who are the other prospects promoted alongside Sam Antonacci?
Noah Schultz is the other notable prospect who was called up to the Chicago White Sox immediately before Sam Antonacci.
What does Sam Antonacci's promotion mean for the Chicago White Sox's strategy?
Sam Antonacci's promotion indicates the Chicago White Sox's commitment to integrating young talent into their roster as part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the team.
