The Chicago White Sox have made a surprising move by reassigning their top prospect, Colson Montgomery, to minor league camp. This decision comes as a shock to many, as Montgomery has been a highly regarded talent within the organization and was expected to compete for a role at the major league level in the near future. His demotion was announced ahead of a recent game against the San Diego Padres, a matchup in which the White Sox fell 7-5.
Montgomery, a shortstop drafted in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft, has been a centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuilding efforts. His combination of power, patience at the plate, and defensive ability has made him one of the most anticipated young players in the system. Many believed he had a legitimate chance to break into the big leagues this season, particularly given the White Sox’s ongoing struggles and need for impact talent. However, the front office appears to be taking a more cautious approach to his development, opting to have him continue refining his skills in the minors.
The timing of this move was unexpected, especially considering Montgomery’s solid performance in Spring Training. Though he didn’t necessarily dominate, he showed flashes of why he is considered one of baseball’s top prospects. His plate discipline and ability to handle major league pitching have drawn praise, making his reassignment even more puzzling to some observers.
With Montgomery sent down, the White Sox’s Spring Training roster now stands at 66 players. This decision also raises questions about the team’s shortstop situation heading into the 2025 season. Without Montgomery in the immediate picture, the White Sox will likely rely on a combination of veteran options, though none provide the same long-term upside that Montgomery does.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the move, with some supporting the decision to give Montgomery more time to develop and others frustrated by the team’s cautious approach. Given the White Sox’s recent struggles, some believe the organization should be more aggressive in promoting young talent rather than delaying their arrival.
Ultimately, Montgomery’s demotion does not change his trajectory as a potential future star for the White Sox. It simply means he will have to prove himself further before getting his shot at the big leagues. If he continues to develop as expected, his time in Chicago will come sooner rather than later.