The 2024 White Sox season was disappointing for many reasons, as the White Sox were one of the worst teams in major league history. However, to add insult to injury, the White Sox top hitting prospect, Colson Montgomery, had a down season in the minor leagues.
This wasn’t what most people were hoping for, as many expected Montgomery to make the jump to the major leagues in 2024, but that wasn’t the case. At AAA Charlotte, Montgomery hit just .214 with a .329 OBP. However, he did lead the team in homeruns and RBIs, as he hit 18 homers and had 63 RBIs. He also led the team with 69 walks.
That’s not great for your top hitting prospect, as you expected him to get on base at a much higher clip. It was nice to see the power to take a big jump, as 18 homers is the most he has had in a full season.
There shouldn’t be too much concern, as Montgomery is one of the most talented players in the minor leagues and should still be a very good major leaguer. Currently, Montgomery is proving why he is one of the top prospects in the minors, as he is having a great stint in the Arizona Fall League.
In 32 at-bats, Montgomery is hitting .313 with an insane .511 OBP, which ranks third among all players in the AFL. On top of that, he has three homeruns, including this one:
Montgomery also has 11 RBIs, which rank 8th in the AFL. But, the most impressive stat is the fact that he has walked 10 times to just 6 strikeouts. This is a great sign and hopefully he can carry this momentum into Spring Training.
As of right now, barring any free agent signings or trades, Montgomery looks to open the season as the White Sox starting shortstop. This is likely the best move for the team, as the White Sox can get an extended look at him, especially when the stakes are so low.
For White Sox fans, this is a great sign. Montgomery needed to show everyone why he was a top prospect, in case anyone forgot. The playing time the White Sox will be able to offer Montgomery will be key to his success. Barring injury, he will be able to get 500+ at-bats, which will be huge for his development.
If Montgomery can hit .245 with 15 homeruns and show some potential at the plate, that would be a success. He won’t have much protection in the lineup, as the White Sox will likely be dead last in most offensive metrics, but he should still be able to get a chance to show he can be a top-end run producer.
Montgomery being successful at the major league level is key for the White Sox, as he one of, if not the key piece in the rebuild.
It is good to see Montgomery have some success to end out the 2024 season, as he is an extremely talented player who just happened to have a down year.
Finally a speck of hope for the Sox.
I do wonder about, and wish someone would write an article on potential suitors for the WS. In years past it seemed groups with local ties emerged so is it the dismal state of the team begets no interest or have all the beat reporters and writers been mothballed?
No offense Craig.