UPDATE: Chicago White Sox prospects Hagen Smith and Sam Antonacci are making headlines in the Arizona Fall League, showcasing their skills under pressure. Just yesterday, Smith delivered an impressive performance for the Glendale Desert Dogs against the Peoria Javelinas, striking out Seattle Mariners prospect Jonny Farmelo with a blazing 97.5 mph fastball to conclude a flawless first inning.
Smith’s standout outing, which included striking out the side in his second inning, has earned him a coveted spot on the AFL’s American League roster for the upcoming Fall Stars Game this Sunday at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ. “I knew I was going to be two innings, so just try to go out and attack the zone,” Smith stated during a videoconference on Thursday. His performance has not only drawn attention but also solidified his reputation as a top prospect.
With a remarkable 2.57 ERA in five starts this fall, Smith is proving why he was the No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft out of Arkansas. He has tallied 21 strikeouts and only six walks in 14 innings of work this season. “Just kind of making sure it’s little tweaks here and there — focused on doing what I’ve been doing right now, slow and smooth down the mound,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Antonacci, primarily playing second base, is also making waves. He entered Friday’s game with an outstanding slash line of .379/.506/.515, with two home runs, 13 RBIs, 20 runs, and nine stolen bases over 17 AFL games. “I don’t really want to be known as a good Fall League player; I want to be known as a productive big leaguer that brings a championship here to Chicago,” Antonacci emphasized.
Both players are eager to finish the Arizona Fall League on a high note. “I’ve still got one more outing, potentially two here,” Smith mentioned. “So that’s what I’m looking at right now. I can only control how I throw, so that’s really all I’m focused on.”
This development is crucial not just for the players but also for the White Sox organization as they look to rebuild after a challenging season marked by 102 losses. Smith and Antonacci’s performances signal hope for fans eager to see a turnaround.
As the Fall Stars Game approaches, the spotlight remains on these young talents, showcasing the future of the Chicago White Sox. Expect more updates as these promising prospects continue to shine on the national stage.
