BOSTON -- Braden Montgomery had an intriguing analysis of his overall game during our phone conversation following Single-A Kannapolis’ 7-5 loss to Columbia in 10 innings Thursday night. My original question to Montgomery, ranked by MLB Pipeline as Chicago’s No. 5 prospect and No. 51 overall, centered upon how the switch-hitting outfielder defines himself when things are completely clicking.
“I would say it’s pretty electric,” said one of the four players obtained from Boston in the Garrett Crochet trade on the final day of the 2024 Winter Meetings. “It’s strong throws every time out of the outfield. It’s hitting balls really hard each time up to bat. It’s definitely a dynamic game.” Montgomery paused for a moment, before confidently adding, “I’d say it’s close. I’m feeling good.” Thus, we have the intriguing part. If this talented outfielder, who turned 22 on Wednesday, feels “close” based on his already exceptional results with the Cannon Ballers, then his ceiling should bring a broad smile to the face of everyone from general manager Chris Getz right on throughout the fan base. Montgomery also could move up from Kannapolis sooner than later. Montgomery is slashing .317/.423/.537 through 11 games and 41 at-bats, with two home runs, three doubles, five stolen bases, 13 RBIs and 12 runs scored. He has played all three outfield spots defensively. And remember, this is Montgomery’s first game action since the Red Sox selected him 12th overall in the 2024 Draft due to a fractured right ankle suffered while playing in the super regionals for Texas A&M. But instead of continuing to talk around or guess the point he was trying to make, I asked what Montgomery specifically meant by “close.” |
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“Close, as in it feels like I’m a little bit better today than I was yesterday,” Montgomery said. “That’s the best way I can really gauge it. As long as I’m taking steps forward and not staying the same or even going backwards.” There’s much more than Montgomery as part of that Kannapolis roster in terms of future standouts, with all of them living together as well as playing together, eight players to each house. Fellow outfielders George Wolkow (No. 10 White Sox prospect) and Nick McLain (No. 28) are two of the players in the same abode as Montgomery, forming a bond on and off the field. They all hang out and will talk a little baseball, regardless of their housing assignment, watching other White Sox affiliates in action Wednesday night after their day game. They also have other interests. “Video games,” Montgomery said. “Everybody is pretty big gamers. Chatter about games or what new games might be coming out or stuff like that.” Chase Meidroth, who hit leadoff for the White Sox for a second straight game Friday at Fenway Park, has known Montgomery since being 2022 Cape Cod League teammates. “He’s an incredible athlete,” said Meidroth. “Back in the Cape, he was playing right field for eight innings, and then he would jump on the mound for the ninth inning. It was fun to play with him.” |
Meidroth was the first from that Crochet trade to reach the Majors, with catcher Kyle Teel (Chicago’s No. 2 prospect) working his craft for Triple-A Charlotte and right-hander Wikelman González (No. 18) pitching for Double-A Birmingham. Ultimately, Montgomery might have the highest upside. While he’s “close,” Montgomery certainly isn’t guessing at that big league timeline.
“I have no clue. I haven’t been in professional baseball enough to really gauge it,” Montgomery said. “I’ve only seen one level at this point. I don’t know how close, but I feel great. And continue to get better by the day. I’m just happy to be back on the field. “I’m making some good swing decisions as part of the last couple of games. I like how I’m seeing the ball. That’s something I like to take a step forward in and check that box every time I go out on the field. I’m glad even in the young season, it’s getting better game to game. I’m happy. I look forward to getting a little bit better as each game comes and goes.” |
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MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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Edgar Quero became the ninth player in White Sox history to have the letter Q starting his last name. Which one of these big league Q’s never played for the White Sox? A) Jimmy Qualls B) Carlos Quentin C) Jamie Quirk D) Mark Quinn |
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• Jose Quintana became the 24th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to defeat all 30 teams in the Majors. I thought Quintana would have been a good fit with the White Sox, although Martín Pérez had been a tremendous addition in that rotation spot before exiting Friday's loss with left forearm soreness. But I remember Quintana as a very engaging competitor, who once told me how he sharpened his English by watching Jimmy Fallon. • I spilled a full cup of water on my laptop during the Tigers’ home opener against the White Sox on April 4, but the laptop continues to work. Jason Beck, the Tigers beat writer for MLB.com, endured my complaining during the valiant traffic-filled hour ride from the ballpark to my hotel that usually takes 10 minutes. Yet, he continues doing expert work covering the team. So what’s my point? Sometimes you just need to get through the moment … or be weary of riding with me or sitting next to me. • This Red Sox vs. White Sox series always reminds me of my dad’s favorite joke with myself and my brothers, Jeff and Randy. Whenever the two teams played, he would bet us “the Sox were going to win tonight.” I truly miss that man. • Congratulations to Manny and Mandi, who got engaged before the seventh inning of Thursday’s White Sox loss. I don’t know their last names. The White Sox had a congratulatory scoreboard message all set when Mandi said “yes,” but as we were talking in the press box, what would have happened if she said “no?” |
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“It will be awesome. I pitched there in high school in a showcase thing, but that’s obviously way different than a real MLB game. So it’s going to be cool. I’m going to try to enjoy it.” -- right-hander Sean Burke, a native of Sutton, Mass., who will make his first career start at Fenway Park on Sunday. |
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D) Quinn The right-handed hitting outfielder, who knocked out 45 homers for the Royals, played for Double-A Birmingham (63 games) and Triple-A Charlotte (3 games) in 2006, but never played in the Major Leagues for the South Siders. |
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