White Sox fans heading to SoxFest next January will get their first look at the future of the franchise.
The White Sox announced an initial list of attendees for SoxFest 2017, which runs from Jan. 27-29 at the Hilton Chicago. Among the players who are set to attend: 2016 first-round picks Zack Burdi and Zack Collins, 2015 first-round pick Carson Fulmer, top pitching prospects Lucas Giolito and Michael Kopech, and the guy who could be baseball's top prospect: Yoan Moncada. Outfielder Charlie Tilson and right-hander Tyler Danish are also scheduled to appear, as well as shortstop Tim Anderson, who made his major league debut last summer. And director of player development Chris Getz and director of scouting Nick Hostetler will be at SoxFest, too.
Jose Abreu, Melky Cabrera, Todd Frazier, Miguel Gonzalez, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon and Tyler Saladino are all scheduled to head to Chicago for SoxFest, too, as are new manager Rick Renteria, pitching coach Don Cooper, hitting coach Todd Steverson and bullpen coach Curt Hasler. White Sox greats Harold Baines, Carlton Fisk, Bo Jackson, Eric Soderholm, Frank Thomas, Jim Thome and Willie Harris will also be in attendance.
Last year, White Sox players, coaches and greats signed over 16,000 autographs and posed for almost 3,500 photos in addition to participating in seminars, experiences and interactive games with fans.
From the White Sox, details on how to attend SoxFest (a limited number of individual SoxFest passes will go on sale at a later date):
Two-night SoxFest hotel packages include exclusive access to Friday night events and a limited edition SoxFest 2017 Jim Thome bobblehead. Hotel packages available at whitesox.com/SoxFest are the only way to buy three-day weekend passes. SoxFest hotel reservations at the Hilton Chicago are $310 for a two-night stay (price does not include applicable taxes, fees and costs for weekend passes). Fans who book hotel packages are eligible to also purchase up to four SoxFest weekend passes. Weekend passes will be available for $40 for each adult and for $10 for each kid (ages 4 to 13).