By Besnik Zekiri On Tap Sports Net
Montgomery, 23, is the White Sox first-round pick in 2022 and briefly reached the 9th spot in MLB Pipeline’s overall rankings pre-2024. Since then, his stock has dipped thanks to a combination of injuries and underwhelming performance, because development isn’t linear.
Desert Reset Pays Off
Montgomery recently took a short detour to Arizona for a mechanical and mental reboot with White Sox director of hitting Ryan Fuller. After five games in the Arizona Complex League, he returned to Triple-A Charlotte and looked more like the player many expected.
His overall numbers, .733 OPS, still don’t jump off the page, but lately he’s shown signs of life, including a weekend torching of the Toledo Mud Hens that earned him International League Player of the Week honors. A few good games? That’s all it takes around here.
While some fans have begged for his promotion, others have (rightfully) exercised patience, citing a small sample size. Chris Getz and Co., however, appear to have seen enough—or figured it’s as good a time as any.
A Soft Landing in Denver
Montgomery is expected to join the team Thursday in Denver as the White Sox open a three-game weekend set against the Colorado Rockies, owners of the worst record in baseball. With Coors Field providing an always-generous hitting environment, the hope is that the 6’4″ left-handed hitter can start his big-league career with a bang.
His arrival coincides with outfielder Michael A. Taylor likely heading to the injured list. Taylor exited Wednesday night’s game in Los Angeles after a third-base collision involving Dodgers infielder Max Muncy.
Because Montgomery is already on the 40-man roster, requiring no corresponding move in that department.
Sorting Out the Lineup
Montgomery adds yet another name to the White Sox’s ever-expanding collection of middle infielders. But who needs positional clarity when vibes are this strong?
Brooks Baldwin, for instance, has recently been shoehorned into center field. Josh Rojas, meanwhile, has played left field throughout his career.
With Andrew Benintendi, Mike Tauchman, Baldwin, Montgomery, Ryan Noda, and the switch-hitting Edgar Quero or lefty Kyle Teel all on the roster, the Sox suddenly find themselves with an oddly left-handed tilt to the lineup.
How Will Venable chooses to deploy this group is anyone’s guess, but at least there’s some intrigue.
What’s On Tap Next?
The White Sox (who are not good, if you forgot) open a holiday weekend series Friday against the Rockies in Denver. It’s a battle of two last-place teams with nothing to lose—unless you count dignity, which has long since left the building.
If all goes to plan, Colson Montgomery will make his MLB debut, and maybe even launch one into orbit in the thin Colorado air. The bar is low, but interest is suddenly present.
Montgomery’s arrival doesn’t significantly change the 2025 outlook. The White Sox are still amid a teardown, and their roster remains uneven. But a top prospect is being given a shot.
Let’s see if Montgomery can give the fan base something to celebrate on Independence Day.