Chicago White Sox: Sam Antonacci gets top-25 MLB rookie love

Imagn Images

Chicago White Sox: Sam Antonacci gets top-25 MLB rookie love

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 2:00 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox are playing much better in 2026 than anyone thought they would. After losing 100+ games in 2023, 2024, and 2025, fans and analysts simply hoped that Chicago would show some signs of improvement this year. What they are seeing is better than they could have possibly imagined.

At 32-28, the White Sox are one of just five American League teams with a winning record. What is more, they have the fourth-best record in the AL and the tenth-best record in all Major League Baseball.

The explanation for this surprising success is that Chicago’s young core of players are performing at or beyond the level the organization envisioned they could. This is especially true for rookie outfield Sam Antonacci.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci named a top-25 rookie in MLB

May 27, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Sam Antonacci (17) hits a two RBI single during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Obviously, Munetaka Murakami is the highest-profile White Sox rookie. His power bat and international draw have made him one of the most noticeable players in the Majors this season. Unfortunately, he will be out for about a month with a hamstring strain.

But Antonacci himself has been having a stellar season as well. Recently, Bleacher Report named him the 25th-best rookie in all Major League Baseball:

“Antonacci hit .378/.505/.541 over 93 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League last year, then suited up for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. He has not recorded an extra-base hit since May 14, but his contact skills, speed and defensive versatility have allowed him to make an impact for the upstart White Sox.”

So far this season, Antonacci is hitting .280/.370/.371 with a home run, 13 RBI, and eight stolen bases. Additionally, he leads the Majors with 11 HBP’s (hit by a pitch). While he does not have the power of Murakami, Antonacci makes consistent contact at the top of the order, giving Chicago’s run producers a chance to drive him in early and often.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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