Colson Montgomery was encouraged by the Chicago White Sox general manager, Chris Getz, who said Montgomery would likely make his major league debut this year.
“Him saying that, it just kind of gives me a little more motivation and confidence,” Montgomery shared on Friday. “But at the end of the day, it’s not going to be given, so I got to go out there and I got to earn it.”
Montgomery, standing 6-foot-3, will have plenty of chances to prove himself. He is expected to be one of the most closely watched players during spring training in Arizona next month.
After a tough 41-121 season, the White Sox have an opening at shortstop. Having Montgomery start on opening day would be a significant moment for the rebuilding franchise, as they rely on their growing farm system to strengthen the team.
However, if Montgomery isn’t quite ready for the majors, Getz is prepared for him to spend more time in the minors. The White Sox signed Josh Rojas to a $3.5 million, one-year contract in January, and they also have Chase Meidroth and Brooks Baldwin in the mix.
Colson Montgomery’s Mindset
Montgomery, who turns 23 on February 27, is focused and hungry for the opportunity.
“Everyone here is hungry and everything like that,” Montgomery said.
New Additions to the Team
Meidroth, acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade with the Boston Red Sox in December, is another option. The 23-year-old infielder had a solid year with Triple-A Worcester in 2023, hitting .293 with seven home runs and 57 RBIs in 122 games.
Meidroth describes himself as “always the underdog,” and his gritty playing style stands out.
“I’m going to scrap my way every day and I’m going to come and bring energy,” he said. “And I play the game where my jersey’s usually the dirtiest one on the field after every game.”
Montgomery’s Struggles and Growth
Montgomery has been one of the White Sox’s top prospects since being drafted in the first round in 2021 out of an Indiana high school. Last season, he struggled with Triple-A Charlotte, batting .214 with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs, striking out 164 times in 130 games.
“It was definitely the first time I’ve ever kind of struggled a little bit,” Montgomery admitted. “But I mean I look back and I said I was happy I kind of went through that all because it’s not like I’m going to be perfect my whole life and my whole career.”
Montgomery feels the pressure to make the major leagues impacted his focus.
“It kind of took me away from just being in the moment and worrying about 7 o’clock in Charlotte when I needed to play,” he said. “So I felt like I kind of learned a lot about that, that one day at a time in this game is very important.”
Arizona Fall League Success
After the season ended, Montgomery participated in the Arizona Fall League for the second time. There, he played 11 games for the Glendale Desert Dogs, hitting .313 with three home runs and 11 RBIs.
Montgomery said he approached the plate with a more aggressive mindset in the AFL, which helped him succeed.
“It was just a little bit more of a mindset change for me,” Montgomery explained. “I had to put a lot of pride and ego aside, going back again. But, in the end, I think it was a really good decision.”
