Chicago White Sox Prospects Shine in Arizona Fall League Action

UPDATE: Chicago White Sox’s rising stars, Hagen Smith and Sam Antonacci, are making headlines during the Arizona Fall League. Both players, drafted in 2024, showcased their skills with remarkable performances, adding urgency to their development as MLB prospects.

On Tuesday, Smith, pitching for the Glendale Desert Dogs, electrified fans by striking out Seattle Mariners prospect Jonny Farmelo with a blistering 97.5 mph fastball to wrap up a flawless first inning against the Peoria Javelinas. He continued to dominate, striking out the side in his second inning, demonstrating why he has secured a spot in the upcoming Fall Stars Game at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona this Sunday.

“I knew I was going to be two innings, so just try to go out and attack the zone,” Smith stated during a videoconference call. His performance has not only impressed scouts but also earned him recognition among his peers. “It’s awesome to get picked for that, playing with the best guys out here,” he added.

Smith, the No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft out of Arkansas, has been a standout this fall, posting a 2.57 ERA across five starts. He has accumulated 21 strikeouts and only six walks in 14 innings. “The big thing was trying to throw a lot of changeups against good hitters,” he explained, emphasizing his focus on mechanical adjustments.

After a challenging season with Double-A Birmingham, where he recorded a 3.57 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 20 starts, Smith is determined to refine his skills. He expressed confidence in his recent work, saying, “When I feel good mechanically, it frees up my mind to be able to attack the zone and trust my stuff.”

Meanwhile, Antonacci, who has primarily played second base this fall, is also turning heads. Entering Friday, he boasted an impressive batting line of .379/.506/.515 with two home runs, 13 RBIs, and 20 runs in just 17 AFL games. “I want to be known as a productive big leaguer that brings a championship here to Chicago,” Antonacci declared, emphasizing his commitment to improvement.

Despite his success, Antonacci acknowledges the work ahead. As the No. 11 prospect in the Sox organization, he has set high goals for himself after a solid regular season, where he compiled a .291/.433/.409 slash line with 21 doubles and 48 stolen bases across various levels.

Both players are not only focused on individual success but also on contributing to a winning culture in Chicago. Antonacci reflected on their time together in Birmingham, stating, “I’m proud to call him a teammate because I sure as hell wouldn’t want to face him.”

As the Arizona Fall League progresses, all eyes will be on Smith and Antonacci as they aim for a strong finish. “I’ve still got one more outing, potentially two here,” Smith mentioned, highlighting his determination to continue improving.

With the 2025 MLB season behind them, these promising players are poised for potential breakout campaigns in 2026. Keep an eye on the Arizona Fall League for their continued development and rising prominence in the Chicago White Sox organization.