No. 11 prospect Bonemer adjusting to life in the pros

This story was excerpted from Scott Merkin’s White Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Hits will come for Caleb Bonemer with Single-A Kannapolis. They certainly have as we approach the end of May.

His infield defensive prowess ranks on that same elite level. The White Sox second-round pick in the 2024 Draft is just that talented.

But managing the day-to-day existence within professional baseball is the biggest step Bonemer has taken thus far in the 2025 season. Remember, at this time last year, the No. 11 White Sox prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, was graduating from Okemos High School in Michigan.

“It’s definitely been a new experience for me playing every day,” Bonemer told MLB.com during a recent trip to Atrium Health Ballpark. “Nine-inning games every day, it’s definitely a new ballgame. I’ve enjoyed it so far, putting in the work. It’s been a lot of fun.

“The biggest thing is just playing every day. The repetitiveness of getting in your work, your routine. Games every day. That’s really been the biggest thing. It’s the same game. Just playing baseball. That’s how I see it. The biggest thing has just been the grind of the everyday kind of lifestyle.”

Through 41 games and 145 at-bats, the 19-year-old Bonemer features an impressive slash line of .297/.428/.503 with four home runs, 12 doubles, three triples, 28 RBIs, 33 runs scored, 15 stolen bases and 32 walks against 41 strikeouts. It has been a noticeably strong debut within the burgeoning White Sox system.

Bonemer has made four errors at shortstop over 27 games and 225 innings, while playing mistake-free during 12 games and 104 innings at third base. When asked about moving above Kannapolis in ’25, Bonemer provided the expected response of leaving that decision to the higher-ups in the organization while focusing on doing the best he could for the Cannon Ballers.

“If you play well, people will start talking. You kind of expect it,” Bonemer said. “But yeah, I try my best not to look at that stuff. You do see it. I just try to focus on what I can control and let the game take care of itself.

“I like to think I’m a five-tool guy. Hit for average, hit for power, can play defense and run. I think I’ve done it before and that’s kind of how my game has evolved. When I’m at my best, I can do it all.”

Bonemer's first career homer came on April 13 at Lynchburg, and he smiled when saying it was good to get it out of the way. He also points to a four-hit game on April 16 against Columbia as another “making it” moment.

“He just is locked in on baseball. The maturity, the poise. Yeah, he has impressed for sure,” said first-year Kannapolis manager Chad Pinder. “The focus. The focus stands out.”

“Really impressive,” said White Sox director of hitting Ryan Fuller. “He is a low-maintenance guy. His swing doesn't have a lot of moving parts, but [it's about] making sure they're consistent. The kid loves to work. And to be able to control the zone like he is, make good, hard contact at really productive angles and play a premium position, that's what you're looking for with those young guys."

George Wolkow, who is the No. 10 White Sox prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, is the only other teenager in the team’s Top 15 prospect list. The pair of 19-year-olds happen to be Kannapolis teammates, pushing each other and working together for improvement.

As for Bonemer’s daily individual focus, he’s honing mechanics and understanding how his body feels different. It’s all part of that professional learning process for a player whose younger days working with his dad and brother in Michigan were a big part of his development.

“Sometimes you are more tired than others,” Bonemer said. “So, kind of just honing in on the little details of my swing. That’s been the biggest thing for me, getting in front of a mirror, kind of feeling out my swing.

“Some days my body feels better than others. Sometimes I think I’m doing something when I’m really not. To be able to see it, watch video and stuff like that, has been a big help for me. Keep doing my work, keep trying to get better every day, and good things will happen.

“There’s times where this is real, it’s a grind,” Bonemer added. “But it’s been a lot of fun. What better is there to do than being able to play a game every day?”