WATCH: White Sox Right Fielder Austin Slater Hits Home Run On Opening Day
In this story:
CHICAGO – It didn't take long for Austin Slater to make a strong first impression on the south side.
In his first at-bat with the White Sox, Slater hit a home run to give Chicago an early 1-0 lead over the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Rate Field. Slater hit the 87 mile-per-hour inside slider an estimated 392 feet off Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi in the second inning.
The 1st White Sox home run of the regular season belongs to Austin Slater! pic.twitter.com/ZwK65Q5i3p
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 27, 2025
Slater signed a one-year $1.75 million contract with the White Sox in November after spending the 2024 season with the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles. In 84 games and 212 plate appearances last season, Slater finished with two home runs, 18 RBI, a .209 batting average, .321 on-base percentage, .266 slugging percentage and a .586 OPS. He played on the Giants from 2017-24.
Related stories on the Chicago White Sox
- VENABLE PREGAME: First-year manager Will Venable spoke to reporters Thursday morning in the Rate Field dugout and discussed his excitement for Opening Day, lineup decisions, managing style, bullpen roles and more. CLICK HERE
- GAMEDAY PREVIEW: It's Opening Day of the 2025 MLB season, and the Chicago White Sox will be in action against the Los Angeles Angeles Angels at Rate Field in Chicago. Here are the TV and radio details, probable pitchers, lineups, betting information and more. CLICK HERE
- OPENING DAY ROSTER: The Chicago White Sox Opening Day roster is complete ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. CLICK HERE
- MEET THE OPPONENT: The Chicago White Sox begin the 2025 season by hosting the Los Angeles Angels for Opening Day at Rate Field. Here's a look at the Angels' offseason moves, projected lineup, starting pitchers and more. CLICK HERE
- EIGHT ROSTER MOVES: Ahead of Opening Day on Thursday, the White Sox made several changes to the roster, including designating Oscar Colas for assignment. CLICK HERE
- 3 POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS: The White Sox will hope to build on a few strong performances from spring training as the 2025 season approaches. CLICK HERE
Jack Ankony is the beat writer for “Chicago White Sox on SI.” He has been with the Sports Illustrated network since 2022. He graduated from Indiana University's Media School with a degree in journalism in 2022. Follow Jack on Twitter @ankony_jack
Follow ankony_jack