Bonemer Aims for Quick Rise in Fall League Amid Fantasy Focus

WHO:

MLB.com - Caleb Bonemer, White Sox, Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, Roch Cholowsky, Chase Meidroth, Munetaka Murakami, Will Venable, Mike Vasil, Scott Merkin.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Bonemer's home run total increased from 12 to 37 in the 2026 season.

MLB.com - Bonemer's batting average dropped from .281 to .251, while his slugging percentage rose from .473 to .550.

MLB.com - Bonemer stated, "I just got stronger, put on some size and got in the weight room," regarding his performance improvements.

MLB.com - The White Sox paid Caleb Bonemer a $2,997,500 bonus in the second round of the 2024 Draft.

MLB.com - Bonemer was named the Single-A Carolina League MVP in 2025 and led the Minors with 69 extra-base hits and ranked fifth in homers with 37 in the current season.

MLB.com - Bonemer played in center field and right field during the Arizona Fall League, achieving an 8-for-22 batting average (.364) with three doubles.

MLB.com - The White Sox scored 776 runs, had 589 walks, and ranked third in home runs (211) and OPS (.726) during the regular season.

MLB.com - The White Sox lost to the Cleveland Guardians 2-0 in Game 5 of the American League Division Series, resulting in a 3-2 series loss.

MLB.com - Cleveland pitchers struck out 21 White Sox batters in Game 5, setting a record for the most strikeouts in a nine-inning postseason game.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The Arizona Fall League is taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona.

MLB.com - The White Sox played Game 5 of the ALDS at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Bonemer reached Double-A Birmingham in mid-June.

MLB.com - The White Sox concluded their 2026 season with the ALDS Game 5 on a Saturday night.

WHY:

MLB.com - The White Sox are having Bonemer focus on outfield play to expedite his path to the Major Leagues due to an overabundance of infielders.

MLB.com - The White Sox are trying to expedite Bonemer's path to the big leagues due to an overabundance of infielders.

MLB.com - Bonemer is focusing on outfield play to potentially provide a quicker route to the Major Leagues.

HOW:

MLB.com - Bonemer has adjusted his swing to a more extreme launch angle, allowing him to hit balls harder and farther.

MLB.com - Bonemer has adjusted his swing and approach, resulting in a rise in slugging percentage from .473 to .550 despite a drop in batting average from .281 to .251.

In an impressive display of power, Bonemer's home run total skyrocketed from 12 to 37 during the 2026 season, although his batting average dipped from .281 to .251. He attributes his performance improvements to increased strength from time spent in the weight room, stating, "I just got stronger, put on some size and got in the weight room." The White Sox are now focusing on his outfield play to expedite his path to the Major Leagues, as they currently have an abundance of infielders.