Colson Montgomery Offers Insights On MLB Network Segment

Colson Montgomery has been an integral part of the White Sox future ever since the team drafted him 22nd overall in the 2021 draft. Now 22 years old and the #37 prospect in baseball per MLB.com's list, Montgomery was on MLB Network's Hot Stove with Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds earlier today. The White Sox top prospect provided some interesting insights as he prepares for the 2025 season. 

Montgomery's Offseason Training Regimen

Montgomery talked about how he has been busy training with the Bledsoe Agency in Nashville this offseason alongside other current big leaguers. Jake Burger, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Brandon Lowe are just a few of the players Montgomery mentioned as peers who also train at the facility during the offseason. He went on to say that training with established MLB players has been beneficial for his development in terms of being able to pick their brains and ask questions. 

Adding Strength And Muscle

Montgomery also mentioned how adding strength and muscle has been his priority since getting drafted. Thanks to the White Sox strength coaches and the coaches as part of the Bledsoe agency, Montgomery has become bigger and stronger as he has matured physically. Getting as strong as possible is not his goal, however. Montgomery elaborated that he wants to continue building muscle but doesn't want to get too big, as staying at shortstop long-term is his ultimate goal. He believes he has the athleticism to do so. 

Competing For Starting Shortstop Job

The White Sox will have many spots on the big league roster up for grabs this spring, with the starting shortstop job being one of them. Montgomery revealed that he is going into the spring with the expectation that he will compete for the starting shortstop role and is eager to take on the challenge. The team has several potential candidates who could fill the role, but Montgomery said he looks forward to the opportunity and competition with the other players on the roster.

Down 2024 Season

2024 was the worst season of Montgomery's professional career to date. In 130 AAA games, he hit just .214 while striking out almost 29% of the time. That said, there were still some positives in his 2024 campaign. He hit 18 home runs, stole eight bases, and walked 12% of the time. It is also worth noting that Montgomery was over four years younger than the average player at the AAA level last season, so some growing pains were to be expected. Development isn't always linear. Montgomery's somewhat down 2024 season hasn't changed his mindset or the expectations he has for himself as he looks forward to 2025.

Pivotal Year Ahead

Colson Montgomery is finally at the point where he is knocking at the door of the big leagues and ready to prove the potential he has always had. Even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster initially, White Sox fans should expect him to make his MLB debut sometime this season. He will be an integral part of what the team hopes to achieve moving forward. 2025 will be a pivotal season for Montgomery as he looks to establish himself as a big leaguer.