Caleb Bonemer to transition to center field in White Sox system

The Chicago White Sox are transitioning top prospect Caleb Bonemer to center field to increase his defensive versatility. Assistant GM Josh Barfield confirmed that the 20-year-old will receive outfield repetitions with the Double-A Birmingham Barons and is expected to continue playing the position during the Arizona Fall League.

Bonemer, a second-round pick in 2024, has primarily served as an infielder, playing shortstop and third base. However, the White Sox infield is currently crowded with prospects and established players such as Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas. Moving Bonemer to the outfield provides him with more potential paths to the major league roster by 2027.

Bonemer has demonstrated significant power this season, hitting 33 home runs across High-A and Double-A with a .936 OPS. While the organization does not intend to move him off the infield entirely, the shift aims to maximize his value as a bat-first prospect.