White Sox Shake Things Up With Promotion Of Former First-Round Pick

The White Sox have been very aggressive with promoting prospects this season, as it seems that Chris Getz and Rick Hahn have different philosophies on handling prospects. The White Sox have been busy with promotions over the last few days, as there has been some significant movement in the organization.

Today, the White Sox reportedly promoted top hitting prospect Braden Montgomery to AA, bringing him one step closer to the major leagues. Montgomery will likely finish out the season in AA, prepping him for a jump to the major leagues in 2026.

Montgomery isn't the only top prospect on the move, as yesterday Scott Merkin noted that the White Sox promoted 2023 first rounder Jacob Gonzalez to the Charlotte Knights. This was a move that needed to be done, as he had already spent significant time in AA over the last two seasons.

Jacob Gonzalez has been promoted to Charlotte

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) July 26, 2025

In 89 games with the Barons, Gonzalez was hitting .244 with a .305 OBP. He has added six homeruns, 47 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. Gonzalez has been on a bit of a cold streak as of late, but he had a nice month of June where he hit .261 with a .349 OBP.

While a month ago would have been a better time for the move to AAA, perhaps a promotion can get him going again. Now he can work with different coaches at AAA, along with a nice change of scenery, as he is now just one stop away from the major leagues.

Gonzalez has the draft pedigree, so he will likely get every chance to show that he can be a major league baseball player. His performance with the Knights will be huge, as he could get a shot in Chicago towards the end of the season, especially if the White Sox trade Lenyn Sosa.

Last night in Gonzalez's first game with the Knights, he went 0-4. It is important to note that he was playing second base, as he was drafted as a shortstop and has played most of his games in the minor leagues at short. This year has been a bit different, as he has played second, short, and third.

Gonzalez has the talent to be a major leaguer, as he has shown flashes of being a very good player in the minor leagues. Now, working at multiple positions, he may get a chance to show that he can be an even more useful major leaguer.

The White Sox will want to find out what Gonzalez can do at the major leagues sooner rather than later, as the infield of the future is starting to fill up with Colson Montgomery and Chase Meidroth playing well in Chicago. Additionally, the White Sox drafted four infielders in the first seven rounds this year, and have SS/3B Caleb Bonemer rising up prospect lists.

I am excited to see Gonzalez excel with the Knights, as they have done a good job of getting players ready for a jump to the major leagues. Don't be surprised if we see Gonzalez up with the MLB team if there is an injury over the next month or so.