Caleb Bonemer's work ethic and versatility will make him vital piece of White Sox future

By now, you’ve likely heard the latest developments with White Sox infield prospect Caleb Bonemer. The second-ranked prospect in the White Sox system by MLB Pipeline, Bonemer has begun taking reps in center field in an effort to improve his versatility and possibly expedite his call-up to the big leagues. Wednesday night’s game against Rocket City served as Bonemer’s first start in center field at the professional level, and he held his own at the position. It wasn’t without extra work that allowed Boenemer to be in this position, however. 

Following Tuesday night’s game in which Bonemer went 3-3 and slugged his 34th home run of the season, he didn’t head home calling the night a success. Instead, Bonemer stuck around after the game to take fly balls in the outfield with the coaches. White Sox special assistant Doug Sisson, who was on the big league coaching staff during Tony La Russa’s second stint as manager, flew to Birmingham to work with Bonemer on his adjustment to a new position. 

Caleb Bonemer could follow the Sam Antonacci path for White Sox

The White Sox are no stranger to this kind of transition. Earlier this season, Sam Antonacci was playing shortstop for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. He played infield throughout all of spring training after solely playing infield as a minor leaguer. But the White Sox had a need in the outfield, and they felt that Antonacci’s skillset would translate to left field. He spent a few weeks learning the position in Charlotte, and has been the White Sox primary left fielder for the majority of the season. While Antonacci hasn’t graded great defensively out there, he’s held his own at the position, and it allowed the team to get his bat in the lineup regularly. The White Sox are hoping a similar development will happen for Bonemer. 

There’s zero doubt about Bonemer’s ability to crush the baseball. The 20-year-old is looking to become the first White Sox minor leaguer to hit 35 home runs in a season since 2008. He’s demonstrated an advanced feel for the strike zone and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. His defensive position is the biggest question ahead of his big league call-up. The White Sox have All-Stars at third base and in center field and Colson Montgomery was in the conversation earlier this season before his recent extended slump. 

Even if playing Bonemer in center field isn’t the long-term plan, there’s nothing wrong with adding another tool to his bag. Injuries are unpredictable and players' performance can change from year-to-year. It won’t ever hurt the White Sox to have options for both the infield and outfield. They’ve often prioritized versatility in roster moves, keeping players who can play several positions on the roster despite struggling performance, and having many of their top prospects able to play multiple positions is a good asset. 

As Caleb Bonemer works to make himself even more versatile, he’s turned himself from an important player to completely invaluable to the future of the White Sox.

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