By Townhall Chicago News Staff
White Sox No. 2 prospect Caleb Bonemer wrapped up a productive three-week stint in the Arizona Fall League with a three-hit, three-RBI performance Thursday night for the Glendale Desert Dogs, according to MLB.com.
Bonemer, ranked 27th overall on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospect list, homered and flirted with a cycle during the outing at Peoria Sports Complex. The performance capped an AFL assignment designed to accelerate his transition from the infield to the outfield.
The 21-year-old arrived in Arizona with clear instructions from the White Sox organization, according to a report on the team’s website: pack an outfield glove and get as much in-game action as possible. Bonemer worked exclusively as an outfielder during his time with Glendale after making the position switch during the latter portion of his 2026 season with Double-A Birmingham.
“Obviously looking at just the big league roster, the success they’ve had, they have a lot of great infielders and a lot of great outfielders,” Bonemer said during a media session. “Being able to play as many positions as possible can only accelerate the process and help me out.”
Bonemer slugged 37 home runs across levels during the 2026 minor league season, establishing himself as one of the most powerful bats in the White Sox farm system. The Michigan native was a second-round pick in the 2024 Draft and signed for a well-over-slot $2,997,500 bonus.
The outfield conversion reflects the White Sox’s roster construction challenge. Chicago features an abundance of infield talent at both the major league and minor league levels following the club’s surprising 84-78 season and American League Division Series appearance in 2026.
Roch Cholowsky, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft and the White Sox’s top-ranked prospect, plays shortstop, as does Billy Carlson, the club’s No. 3 prospect and 10th overall pick in 2025. Colson Montgomery manned the position at the major league level and earned an All-Star nod in 2026.
By adding outfield versatility, Bonemer could accelerate his path to the major leagues without needing to displace the organization’s shortstop depth. The White Sox have shown a willingness to give young players opportunities at the big league level, according to the report.
Bonemer’s AFL assignment concluded after three weeks, and he headed into the offseason. The regular AFL season continues through mid-November, with the championship game scheduled for Nov. 14 at Peoria Sports Complex.
The Fall Stars Game is set for Nov. 8 at Salt River Fields. Fifteen members of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 are participating in this year’s AFL, including six ranked in the top 50.
