Bonemer debuts in CF as White Sox infield prospect embraces versatility

CHICAGO -- The work was not done for Caleb Bonemer late Tuesday, even after his Double-A Birmingham squad claimed an 11-8 victory over the Trash Pandas.

Yes, Bonemer finished 3-for-3, with three runs scored, four RBIs, two walks and his 16th home run with the Barons (34th overall this season). But the 20-year-old infielder made his baseball debut in center field on Wednesday night, so MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 White Sox prospect (No. 30 overall) returned to the field with Doug Sisson, a special assistant to general manager Chris Getz, for a continued focus on the position adjustment.

“We went out there and took some fly balls under the lights to kind of get used to seeing them in the night sky,” Bonemer told MLB.com during a Wednesday morning phone interview. “He’s been great. He’s an animal, a workhorse. He’s been a big help for me.

“He’s been doing all the outfield work with me. So, yeah, I mean, all the little tips and tricks, he’s giving them to me. Just the fundamentals of playing outfield. All the different drills and stuff. He deserves all the credit for putting in the work with me.”

This position adjustment for Bonemer began last Tuesday, when he was on a Zoom call with White Sox director of player development Paul Janish and Birmingham manager Pat Leyland. Bonemer thought the work in center field, after playing solely at shortstop and third base, would begin for Glendale during the Arizona Fall League.

But when White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield joined the Barons in Chattanooga this past weekend, Bonemer found out the center field addition was coming immediately. Bonemer is getting close to the Majors, even if it almost certainly won’t happen via a September callup.

Defensive versatility is important under White Sox manager Will Venable. Bonemer, who is built like Mike Trout and looks like Trout, has the athleticism to handle such a move.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Bonemer said. “It’s fun just shagging fly balls in BP every day. It’s definitely new for me. I’ve never played outfield in a game my whole life. I’ve played infield my whole life. As I get some games under my belt, I’m sure I will become more comfortable. Just a new opportunity, a new challenge. It should be fun.”

“You see a lot of times guys start to fade toward the end of the season, especially the high school kids, because they are still getting adjusted,” Barfield said of Bonemer. “He’s almost finding another gear toward the end. It’s been fun to watch. He’s just scratching the surface of what he can do both offensively and defensively. ... He just looks in such control right now.”

Sam Antonacci had a similar situation play out during Spring Training, where the career infielder started working in the outfield right around the Spring Breakout game. The usually upbeat Antonacci seemed a bit flustered in talking after that particular night in the outfield, but he now has basically taken over as the White Sox regular left fielder.

A feeling of being more at home in the new spot, while maintaining his infield work, comes after the trials and tribulations in the adjustment period.

“Definitely takes some time. It all depends on how much work he’s getting out there,” Antonacci said of Bonemer’s center field change. “Just knowing him, he’s a hard worker so he won’t have any trouble with it. I expect him to figure it out in no time. The bat is there.”

Bonemer’s bat being there is a bit of an understatement. The second-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Okemos High School in Michigan put on 20 pounds in the offseason and in continuing his lifting and workout programs, he has only gotten stronger from an already sturdy base.

Baseballs hit by Bonemer falling short at the warning track in 2025, when he hit 12 homers with 30 doubles, are now clearing the fences. And he’s not even old enough to legally drink alcohol.

Adding center field to his profile only is going to make the supremely talented game featured by Bonemer stronger and more well-rounded.

“Oh, yeah, absolutely,” Bonemer said. “Just being able to play different positions kind of gives you so many opportunities to get on the field and just make an impact on the game. The more positions I can play, the more positions anybody can play, the better to help the team win and make an impact on the game in many different ways.

“I’ve definitely been proud of what I’ve been able to do so far. I just, I don’t know, trying to take it a day at a time.”