The White Sox announced several more roster moves this morning as the team continues to trim down their spring training roster. Pitchers Nick Nastrini and Owen White were optioned to AAA Charlotte, while first baseman Tim Elko was reassigned to minor league camp. However, the most significant development from this roster shuffling was that the team optioned top shortstop prospect Colson Montgomery to AAA. The assumption going into spring was that Montgomery had a chance to be on the Opening Day roster, making this an unexpected and somewhat surprising roster move.
Unexpected Development
Montgomery, 23, has been at the top of prospect lists for several years since the White Sox drafted him in 2021. Given his minor league experience, he is at the point in his development where he is close to reaching the big leagues. Montgomery went into camp with the expectation that he could earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, and Scott Merkin, the team’s beat writer at MLB.com, had him as the starting shortstop in his Opening Day projections article that he posted just a few hours ago. It is a somewhat surprising development that the team would option Montgomery to AAA this quickly into the spring.
Montgomery’s Injury Issues
Back issues have been a problem for Montgomery in recent years. Those physical issues reared their head again this spring, as back spasms kept Montgomery out of game action for over a week. His injury issues and lack of playing time as a result could explain why he was optioned. Montgomery hasn’t gotten the number of at-bats needed to be fully prepared for Opening Day, especially considering this will be his rookie year.
White Sox Shortstop Alternatives
With Montgomery seemingly out of the running for the Opening Day shortstop job, several candidates could take that spot in the short term. Jacob Amaya is the best defensive shortstop on the roster and already has some MLB experience. Brooks Baldwin also has some prior MLB experience and has played shortstop before. Chase Meidroth has not yet made his MLB debut but has played the position at the minor league level. Lenyn Sosa and Josh Rojas are not traditional shortstops but could likely hold the fort down at the position to start the season. The rest of the spring will be critical for these five players as they attempt to earn the starting job in the wake of Montgomery going to AAA.
Final Word
Unlike Kyle Teel, who has a legitimate argument to make the Opening Day roster, Colson Montgomery starting the season in AAA makes sense given how the spring has unfolded. 2024 was the worst season of Montgomery’s career, and injury issues prevented him from making a case to earn the job this spring. While frustrating, these temporary setbacks do not diminish Montgomery’s talent and potential. It is only a matter of time before he gets called up to the big leagues and proves why he belongs.
