Even after shutout loss, hitting coach Derek Shomon has White Sox offense leading AL in runs per game
<p>The White Sox offense deservedly receives a lot of credit for the team’s surprising 2026 turnaround. Even playing .500 baseball since June 1, the Sox lead the American League in runs scored per game.</p><p>But with a lineup built around loose and long-levered athletes who slug fastballs, their production can be boom-or-bust in nature, as evidenced by <b>Grant Holmes</b> and three relievers holding the White Sox to one hit in Thursday afternoon’s 2-0 loss to the Braves.</p><p>First-year hitting coach and Glenview native <b>Derek Shomon</b> employs a style built around blunt feedback with an offense light on hitters older than 26, and heavy on high-maintenance and/or still developing swings.</p><p>“You want to establish those relationships, especially as a newly-hired hitting coach, as early in the offseason as possible, so you're not wasting time trying to figure out when you should say something,” Shomon said.
Reported by 1 outlet — Chicago Sun-Times. See all sources ↓
<p>The White Sox offense deservedly receives a lot of credit for the team’s surprising 2026 turnaround. Even playing .500 baseball since June 1, the Sox lead the American League in runs scored per game.</p><p>But with a lineup built around loose and long-levered athletes who slug fastballs, their production can be boom-or-bust in nature, as evidenced by <b>Grant Holmes</b> and three relievers holding the White Sox to one hit in Thursday afternoon’s 2-0 loss to the Braves.</p><p>First-year hitting coach and Glenview native <b>Derek Shomon</b> employs a style built around blunt feedback with an offense light on hitters older than 26, and heavy on high-maintenance and/or still developing swings.</p><p>“You want to establish those relationships, especially as a newly-hired hitting coach, as early in the offseason as possible, so you're not wasting time trying to figure out when you should say something,” Shomon said. We are in a pennant race, and meaningful adjustments still need to be made, calibrations still need to be had. So you don't want to [bleeping] walk on eggshells and feel like the relationship is not there.”</p><p>After their first half exploits, getting Sox hitters back on track has some easier reference points, even if they’re delivered with tough love.</p><p>“Success leaves clues,” Shomon said.
Read the full report at Chicago Sun-Times ↗
Why it matters
A world story we're tracking; its significance and source trust firm up as more outlets confirm it.
- What's the story?
- <p>The White Sox offense deservedly receives a lot of credit for the team’s surprising 2026 turnaround. Even playing .500 baseball since June 1, the Sox lead the American League in runs scored per game.</p><p>But with a lineup built around loose and long-levered athletes who slug fastballs, their production can be boom-or-bust in nature, as evidenced by <b>Grant Holmes</b> and three relievers holding the White Sox to one hit in Thursday afternoon’s 2-0 loss to the Braves.</p><p>First-year hitting coach and Glenview native <b>Derek Shomon</b> employs a style built around blunt feedback with an offense light on hitters older than 26, and heavy on high-maintenance and/or still developing swings.</p><p>“You want to establish those relationships, especially as a newly-hired hitting coach, as early in the offseason as possible, so you're not wasting time trying to figure out when you should say something,” Shomon said.
- How widely is it covered?
- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 4m ago.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
Even after shutout loss, hitting coach Derek Shomon has White Sox offense leading AL in runs per game
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times