The Triple-A home run leader in 2026 is coming to Chicago. Per ESPN, the White Sox are set to promote Jacob Gonzalez to the big-league roster. The move comes in what’s been a whirlwind for Gonzalez, who went from prospect on the brink to Major League talent.
A Look at Gonzalez
Three years ago, the White Sox made former Ole Miss standout Jacob Gonzalez the 15th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Gonzalez had an interesting career at Ole Miss, as the Rebel alumnus batted just .273 in his sophomore campaign in 2022. But that year, he clobbered 18 home runs and helped Ole Miss win the national title.
At the time, it looked like a solid pick. He hit double-digits in home runs during all three of his college seasons, could play short, and walked more (123) than he struck out (94). But things didn’t go great for Gonzalez at the pro level right away.
Gonzalez never posted an OPS above .652 in any of his first three pro seasons. But in 2026, things changed quite a bit.
The former first-round pick slashed .317/.419/.668 (1.087 OPS) with Triple-A Charlotte last season, as well as 19 home runs and 31 extra-base hits for the Knights. Additionally, he posted an obscene 14% Barrel% as of May 29, a testament to the fact that it was less about luck and more about pop.
It was a surprising development from the left-handed-hitting infielder. Last season in Double-A, Gonzalez only hit eight home runs across 134 contests, although he did show an ability to elevate the baseball. His 27.5% FB% in the Southern League in 2025 hovered right around the top 33% in said category.
The swing-and-miss in Gonzalez’s game hasn’t been prevalent at the higher levels. Last season in Double-A, his swing-and-miss rate was a tick above 22% last season. He’s held steady in that regard this season, and what’s good about Gonzalez’s approach is the ability to make contact on both the hard and soft stuff.
While Gonzalez did have a slightly elevated Whiff% on sliders (33%) and splitters (41%), he posted a sub-20% Whiff% on four-seamers, as well as a sub-18% clip on changeups.
Defensively, Gonzalez has been a natural middle infielder during his collegiate and pro career, by and large. However, the 24-year-old also spent time at first and third season, aside from second and short (where he played most in 2026).
Analysis
The White Sox have needed to dip into the prospect pool multiple times this season, most recently this past week, to replace an injured Noah Schultz with David Sandlin. Now, the Sox must replace Munetaka Murakami, who is now down with a hamstring strain, with Gonzalez.
There’s no time like the present, especially when taking into account A) the White Sox had to decide on Gonzalez this season, anyway, as he would have been eligible for the Rule 5 this winter, and B) Gonzalez has been scorching hot.
Aside from Murakami, the Sox have received good offensive results from Chase Meidroth, who posted a .344 on-base percentage in his first 54 games, plus double-digit home run hitters Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas.
The fact that Gonzalez can play multiple positions will help, as it gives Will Venable some options to work with now that Murakami is down in the interim.
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