The White Sox have one of MLB's best farm systems, headlined by top 100 prospects Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, and Braden Montgomery. Kyle Teel and Grant Taylor, two of the other top prospects in the organization, have recently been called up to the big leagues. The franchise has an influx of young talent moving forward.
While the White Sox farm system has ranked high on lists in the past, the depth within the system is significantly deeper than it has been in quite some time. Several lesser-known players throughout the organization could also contribute to the next great White Sox team. 22-year-old left-handed hitting infielder Sam Antonacci fits that description. It is time for White Sox fans to learn his name.
Antonacci's College Success
After winning the Division II Junior College Player of the Year award with Heartland Community College in 2023, Antonacci transferred to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers for the 2024 season. The increase in competition did not phase him. In 61 games with Coastal Carolina, he slashed .367/.523/.504 with 13 doubles, six home runs, and 15 stolen bases. He also walked 50 times compared to 40 strikeouts, leading the Sun Belt Conference in on-base percentage. His successful season put his name on the map as one of the best pure hitters in college baseball. Coaches also praise his work ethic and character.
Despite his immense college success, Antonacci dropped to the fifth round before the White Sox selected him with the 140th overall pick. While he did receive a substantial $572,500 signing bonus, Antonacci was overlooked throughout the draft process.
White Sox May Have Found A Gem
Since entering professional baseball, Antonacci has made it his mission to prove everyone wrong for letting him fall to the fifth round. After having a successful cup of coffee with the Low-A Kannapolis Cannonballers last season, Antonacci has turned it up even more with the High-A Winston-Salem Dash in 2025. In 36 games this season, he is hitting .302/.458/.488 with 12 doubles, three home runs, and 14 stolen bases. His .947 OPS is stellar, as is his 173 wRC+ and 15.3 BB%. Scouting reports praise his plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills, giving him a 55-grade hit tool. Those traits have carried over professionally, as he has 28 walks to just 26 strikeouts at the High-A level this season.
Defensive Versatility
Offense is not the only area in which Antonacci excels. He is a very versatile defender as well. He has extensive experience at second base, third base, and shortstop. MLB.com has him at 50 grades for fielding and arm strength, with scouts describing him as an instinctual player with decent range. While he does not yet have a defensive position set in stone, his ability to play multiple positions will help him as he progresses through the higher levels of the minors.
Big Test Ahead
Given Antonacci's success in High-A, a promotion to Double-A appears to be in the cards soon. Going to Birmingham is where he will truly be tested. The competition is significantly tougher in Double-A compared to High-A. Regions Field, the Barons home ballpark, has also traditionally been more pitcher-friendly than hitter-friendly. As a contact over power profile, it is unclear how Antonacci will adjust to better pitching. If he proves he can handle Double-A, his prospect stock will soar significantly.
Name To Watch
Entering this season, Sam Antonacci ranked as just the 27th-best prospect in the White Sox farm system per MLB.com. Despite being overlooked, he has put himself on the map and in a prime position to be part of the White Sox plans moving forward in some capacity. He checks several key boxes as a pure hitter who gets on base and can play several defensive positions. A call-up to Chicago at some point next season is not out of the realm of possibility at his current pace. He is a name to watch moving forward.
