Colson Montgomery: White Sox 2022 Minor League Player Of The Year

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Shortstop Colson Montgomery could have been a star college basketball player.

Had he chosen to stick with football, the quarterback would have been heavily recruited on the gridiron as well.

Montgomery chose baseball, and the White Sox are thrilled that he did.

Chicago drafted Montgomery 22nd overall in 2021 out of Southridge High in Huntingburg, Ind.

“A lot of people thought we were taking a risk with Colson, but to know the person, the ability, the projection—I really believe in him,” White Sox scouting director Mike Shirley siad. “I do think we got it right at this point. Colson is doing some special things.”

In his first full professional season, the 20-year-old Montgomery started at Low-A Kannapolis and was promoted to High-A Winston-Salem on June 24. After 37 games, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Montgomery moved to Double-A Birmingham on Aug. 23.

Montgomery hit just .146 in three-plus weeks at Double-A, but at his two Class A stops he hit .295/.408/.450 with nine home runs, 52 walks and 68 strikeouts in 82 games. At one point he reached base safely in 50 straight games, spanning his time for Kannapolis and Winston-Salem.

Montgomery handled the movement between levels with relative ease.

“For a kid who split a lot of his time with basketball, you don’t quite know how it’s going to take when he’s fully committed to baseball,” said Chris Getz, White Sox assistant general manager and director of player development.

“But he’s proven when he puts his energy toward one thing, he’s a player who’s going to benefit from that. And he’s been as consistent as anyone in the minor leagues.”

Gets was impressed with Montgomery’s capability to handle every challenge.

“Whether it be in-zone contact, zone awareness, hard-hit rates, there are some good signs in there that he is continuing to get better,” Getz said.

Montgomery played shortstop exclusively this season, and he figures to remain at the key defensive position for the time being.

CHI-LITES

— In addition to Colson Montgomery, High-A Winston-Salem third baseman Bryan Ramos and Low-A Kannapolis righthanders Norge Vera and Jared Kelley and third baseman Wes Kath were promoted to Double-A Birmingham to close the season.

— Triple-A Charlotte third baseman Jake Burger fractured his left wrist and is questionable to return this season.