BREAKING: Chicago White Sox prospects Hagen Smith and Sam Antonacci are making headlines in the Arizona Fall League, showcasing their talent and determination just ahead of the Fall Stars Game on Sunday at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona.
In a stunning performance on Tuesday, Smith struck out Seattle Mariners prospect Jonny Farmelo with a blazing 97.5 mph fastball, capping a flawless first inning against the Peoria Javelinas. He fanned all three batters in his second inning, solidifying his place as a rising star in the league. “I felt like I got ahead early, which is the plan. And everything went good from there,” Smith said during a videoconference call.
Smith, the No. 5 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, boasts an impressive 2.57 ERA over five starts this fall, with 21 strikeouts and just six walks in 14 innings. His performance has earned him a coveted spot on the AFL’s American League roster for the upcoming Fall Stars Game. “It’s awesome to get picked for that, playing with the best guys out here,” he added.
Antonacci, who primarily plays second base, is also making an impact with a remarkable batting average of .379 while contributing two home runs, 13 RBIs, and nine stolen bases in just 17 AFL games. “I want to be known as a productive big leaguer that brings a championship here to Chicago,” Antonacci stated, emphasizing his ambition and commitment to improvement.
Both players have transitioned from a challenging regular season, where Smith struggled with elbow soreness and Antonacci aimed to refine his skills. Smith reflected on his season, saying, “Definitely went through some ups and downs, but I think failing helped me a lot to improve.”
As the Arizona Fall League nears its conclusion, both athletes are focused on finishing strong. Smith expressed, “I’ve still got one more outing, potentially two here,” indicating his intention to maximize each opportunity.
These performances not only highlight Smith and Antonacci’s individual talents but also represent the future of the Chicago White Sox organization. With their skills on display, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what these young prospects will bring to the major leagues.
Stay tuned for updates as the Fall Stars Game approaches, where both Smith and Antonacci will showcase their abilities on a larger stage. Their journey is just beginning, and the excitement surrounding their potential is palpable.
