The 2024 MLB Draft is not until the middle of July, but the top of the draft class is already starting to take shape. Monitoring the elite prospects of this class is especially pertinent to the White Sox, who have the fifth overall selection and desperately need to infuse more young talent into the organization. The mock drafts have already started, and the most recent one from Baseball America has the White Sox taking Texas A&M outfielder Braden Montgomery with the fifth overall selection.
Montgomery’s Background And Accomplishments
A 20-year-old switch-hitting outfielder, the 6-2 Montgomery began his collegiate career with Stanford and played two seasons there before transferring to Texas A&M. Montgomery had two great seasons with Stanford in 2022 and 2023. However, his prospect status did not soar until this season with the Aggies. In just 41 games this season, Montgomery has a whopping 22 home runs, 68 RBI, and a .890 slugging percentage. In addition, he is hitting .370 with a 1.400 OPS. Montgomery also has 41 walks to just 32 strikeouts. He has put up video game numbers this season and is undoubtedly one of the best college players in the class now.
Montgomery’s best skills are a 70-grade arm and 55-grade power, per MLB.com, and scouts believe he can stick in right field at the professional level. He also has some of the best exit velocities in this draft class and has the third-most home runs and second-most RBI of any college player this season. Montgomery would be a significant addition to a White Sox farm system that lacks quality position players, especially outfielders. Being a switch hitter and quality defender are two traits the White Sox have lacked in recent years, making Montgomery an even more logical fit. Montgomery also has some experience pitching but will likely become a full-time position player at the professional level.
Other Potential Draft Options
The same mock draft has The University of Georgia first baseman and outfielder Charlie Condon going first overall to the Cleveland Guardians. University of Florida two-way player Jac Caglianone is listed as going second overall to the Cincinnati Reds. Wake Forest University pitcher Chase Burns is mocked third overall to the Colorado Rockies, while Oregon State University second baseman Travis Bazzana is projected to go fourth overall to the Oakland Athletics.
All four players listed above are potential options for the White Sox should they fall. University of Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith and Mississippi high school outfielder Konnor Griffin are also potential fits for the White Sox with the fifth overall pick. There are many good options at the top of this class, and the White Sox should get a stud player regardless of who they choose.
Final Word
A lot will change between now and draft night, but there is always time to start learning about these top draft prospects. Given Montgomery’s skills and the state of the White Sox farm system, he would be a good pick at this juncture. The White Sox cannot pick higher than tenth in the 2025 draft, so it is imperative that they hit a home run with the fifth overall pick this year.
