Outlook Sam Antonacci
Antonacci’s blistering rookie campaign and clutch hitting fuel the first-place White Sox
Antonacci has been sensational over the last 14 days, slashing .364/.451/.568 with two home runs and 11 runs scored. The rookie recently set a modern-era record for being hit by a pitch 16 times before July, a testament to the grit that has secured him the everyday leadoff spot for a first-place Chicago squad (45-40) currently leading the AL Central. His high-energy playstyle and recent leadoff homer on July 1st confirm he is a vital spark plug for this division-leading lineup.
While our models initially projected a modest four home runs and 14 steals for the season, Antonacci has already exceeded the power mark with five long balls and is nearing his speed targets with 11 stolen bases. His .295 career average and elite .391 OBP suggest this breakout is rooted in high-level plate discipline rather than luck. The extreme frequency with which he is hit by pitches provides an unusual but steady boost to his on-base numbers, making his recent 1.029 OPS over the last week a sustainable reflection of his elite table-setting talent.
The White Sox continue their road trip with four games in Cleveland starting today. Antonacci draws a favorable initial matchup against Slade Cecconi and his 4.30 ERA before facing a tougher rotation trio in Gavin Williams, Parker Messick (2.92 ERA), and Tanner Bibee (3.69 ERA). Despite the challenging weekend matchups, his ability to manufacture runs and high volume of plate appearances at the top of the order makes him a must-start in all formats. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
Latest News Sam Antonacci
Outlook Kyle Stowers
Stowers finds his rhythm as primary first baseman for the contending Marlins
Stowers has found a groove over the last week, batting .292 with five RBIs and five runs scored for a 46-41 Miami club currently sitting third in the NL East. Despite his outfielder designation, he has transitioned into a vital role as the primary starter at first base, appearing in 63 games this season. He appears fully recovered from a hamstring strain suffered in the spring and is providing consistent production for a team only 5.5 games out of the division lead.
His current .231 batting average is a significant drop from his .288 mark in 2025, but our models suggest he is due for positive regression given his .320 on-base percentage and recent trend of high-quality contact. Our data projected him for 21 home runs, and his eight long balls to date keep him on a steady pace to reach that mark. While the 85 strikeouts in limited action are a concern, his .500 slugging percentage over the last 30 days confirms the power is very much intact.
The Marlins finish a road series today in the thin air of Colorado against Michael Lorenzen, who is struggling with a 7.03 ERA and 1.83 WHIP. The weekend brings three games against Oakland, where Stowers will face vulnerable arms in Jack Perkins (6.29 ERA) and Aaron Civale (5.05 ERA). Although Gage Jump presents a tougher matchup on Sunday, the combination of a Coors Field finale and two additional favorable road matchups makes him an excellent play. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
