Sam Antonacci launched a two-run homer Friday night, kicking off what could be a second-half power surge for the Chicago White Sox. The leadoff hitter did more than cap a five-run second inning.
He might’ve signaled that this rebuilding franchise’s climb to the top of the AL Central isn’t going anywhere.
Coming out of the All-Star break, the White Sox ranked fourth in team homers with 129, just 13 behind the MLB-leading New York Yankees. That’s a pretty remarkable turnaround for a team that lost 121 games two seasons ago.
Now here’s where it gets interesting. Munetaka Murakami is back from the injured list, catcher Kyle Teel is finding his stroke after a slow start, and shortstop Colson Montgomery keeps refining that extra-base swing.
So would it be bold to predict the White Sox finishing as the league’s top home-run club?
Maybe it should be expected.
The numbers tell quite a story. Last season, Chicago ranked 23rd in team homers with 165 total. Lenyn Sosa led the team with just 22 round-trippers. Fast-forward to this year’s All-Star break, and three different batters already reached the 20-homer milestone.
Montgomery’s 23 homers lead the way, followed by third baseman Miguel Vargas with 21 and Murakami with 20 in only 60 games. All three are 26 or younger.
Twenty different batters have connected on at least one homer this season.
What makes this surge even more intriguing is the Yankees’ situation. With Aaron Judge dealing with a rib injury and Giancarlo Stanton nursing a calf issue, New York’s offensive production could fade until two of the league’s most dangerous power hitters return.
The White Sox entered Friday as AL Central co-leaders and didn’t lose momentum during the break, collecting eight runs through five innings in their first game back.
From where I’m sitting, this young White Sox lineup has all the pieces for a sustained power surge. The way I see it, catching the hobbled Yankees isn’t just possible.
It might be inevitable.
