Former Ole Miss Star Jacob Gonzalez Earns First MLB Call-Up with White Sox

OXFORD, Miss. — The next chapter of Jacob Gonzalez’s baseball journey is about to begin on the biggest stage in the sport.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Chicago White Sox are expected to select Gonzalez’s contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday, giving the former Ole Miss standout his first opportunity in Major League Baseball. The move comes as the White Sox look to fill a roster opening after an injury to one of their key offensive contributors, Munetaka Murakami.

The Chicago White Sox are calling up infielder Jacob Gonzalez, sources tell ESPN. With Munetaka Murakami facing a multi-week absence due to a hamstring injury, the White Sox summon one of the hottest hitters in the minor leagues, batting .308/.414/.646 with 18 homers in 51 games.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 30, 2026

For Ole Miss fans, the promotion marks another milestone for one of the most accomplished players in program history.

Gonzalez arrived in Oxford as a highly touted recruit and quickly became one of the faces of the Rebels’ rise to national prominence. During his three seasons at Ole Miss from 2021-23, he established himself as one of the premier shortstops in college baseball, helping lead the Rebels to the 2022 national championship while earning All-SEC and All-America recognition along the way.

His impact on the program extended far beyond statistics. Gonzalez started virtually from the moment he stepped on campus, providing stability in the middle infield and becoming one of the most reliable offensive players in the SEC. By the time his Ole Miss career ended, he ranked among the school’s all-time leaders in several offensive categories and had cemented his place as one of the greatest shortstops ever to wear a Rebel uniform.

The White Sox selected Gonzalez with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, betting on his advanced approach at the plate, defensive versatility, and baseball instincts.

The transition to professional baseball wasn’t always smooth.

Like many highly drafted college hitters, Gonzalez experienced growing pains as he climbed the minor-league ladder. There were stretches when his offensive production lagged a tad behind expectations.

This season, however, everything appears to have clicked.

In 51 games with Triple-A Charlotte, Gonzalez has put together the best offensive stretch of his professional career, hitting .292 with a .401 on-base percentage and a .610 slugging percentage. He has launched 17 home runs, driven in 55 runs, scored 39 times, and added seven stolen bases while becoming one of the most productive hitters in the International League.

Jacob Gonzalez goes off the batter’s eye for his 19th HR at 104.6MPH. He is 8 for his last 8 with 4HR’s. 10-2 #Knights. pic.twitter.com/g8c5g99zU5

— FutureSox (@FutureSox) May 30, 2026

If there was any lingering doubt about whether Gonzalez was ready for the next step, the past week may have erased it.

Just days before news of his promotion surfaced, Gonzalez delivered one of the most impressive performances of his professional career, blasting three home runs in a single game for Charlotte. The outburst pushed his season home run total to 18 and further strengthened his case for a call-up.

The White Sox are expected to use Gonzalez primarily as an infielder, though his experience at multiple positions could provide additional flexibility as Chicago navigates injuries and roster adjustments. His ability to play both middle infield spots, along with occasional appearances on the corners, makes him a valuable option for a club continuing to integrate young talent into its lineup.

The Chicago White Sox are calling up infielder Jacob Gonzalez, sources tell ESPN. With Munetaka Murakami facing a multi-week absence due to a hamstring injury, the White Sox summon one of the hottest hitters in the minor leagues, batting .308/.414/.646 with 18 homers in 51 games.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 30, 2026

For Ole Miss, Gonzalez becomes the latest Rebel to reach the major leagues and another example of the program’s ability to develop professional talent. For Gonzalez himself, it represents the realization of a dream that began long before his days at Swayze Field.

The former Rebel star now gets his opportunity to prove he belongs at the highest level of baseball.

And if his breakout 2026 season is any indication, he appears more than ready for the challenge.