What's Happening?
Derek Shomon, a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, has been appointed as the team's major-league hitting coach. Shomon's journey to this role began in 2012 as a bullpen catcher with the Schaumburg Boomers,
followed by positions in independent baseball leagues. He entered MLB in 2021 with the Minnesota Twins, where he served as the major-league assistant hitting coach from 2023 to 2024. During his tenure, the Twins ranked high in home runs, slugging percentage, and runs. In 2025, Shomon joined the Miami Marlins as an assistant hitting coach, contributing to their offensive success. Now, as the White Sox hitting coach, Shomon aims to leverage his experience to further develop the team's young hitters and improve their offensive performance.
Why It's Important?
Shomon's appointment is significant for the White Sox as they seek to enhance their offensive capabilities. His previous success with the Twins and Marlins demonstrates his ability to improve team performance, particularly in hitting. The White Sox have a promising group of young hitters, and Shomon's expertise could be crucial in their development. His alignment with the team's director of hitting, Ryan Fuller, suggests a cohesive strategy for player acquisition and development. This move could potentially lead to improved team standings and competitiveness in the league.
What's Next?
Shomon plans to work closely with the White Sox's hitting staff to create a collaborative environment focused on achieving the team's goals. He will focus on preparing players for game execution and addressing challenges in hitting, which is often seen as a skill involving frequent failure. The White Sox's recent improvements in runs and OPS indicate positive momentum, and Shomon's leadership could further enhance these metrics. The development of young players like Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel will be a priority as they enter their second major-league seasons.
