At (40-69) the Chicago White Sox have the second-worst record in all of MLB. And while the club’s fans are still frustrated over their MLB-worst all-time (41-121) record in 2024, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. With a plethora of talent in the team’s farm system led by its two top prospects, pitcher Noah Schultz and outfielder Braden Montgomery the future is bright on the south side of Chicago.
The aforementioned Montgomery is thought to be the franchise’s best prospect since Tim Anderson in 2013. The former Texas A&M Aggies star was drafted 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox and traded to the White Sox in December as he battled to return from a fractured ankle suffered during the 2024 College World Series. Montgomery made his professional debut with the High-A Winston-Salem Dash in May.
Braden Montgomery logs his first hit and stolen base at Double-A!@whitesox | @BhamBarons | @MLBDevelops pic.twitter.com/P24NUWzyCM
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) July 31, 2025
Montgomery Climbing The Ranks Quickly
Just weeks after being selected and playing in the MLB Futures Game during All-Star Week in Atlanta, Montgomery the No.26 prospect according to MLB Pipeline has been promoted to the Double-A Birmingham Barons. That’s the team the great Michael Jordan once played for when he abruptly retired from the NBA in 1993 following his dad’s unfortunate death and the Chicago Bulls first three-peat.
Speaking with reporters in May, Montgomery elaborated on what it felt like to be back on the diamond, and the differences he’s seen between college and the pros.
“It’s been awesome.”
“I mean it’s obviously different with a lot more factors added into it now, since it’s more of a business. But it’s been where I’ve always envisioned myself and dreamed of being, so I’m loving it.”
“I just feel like spending a year there and then just growing a year older maturing a little bit help me to just slow the game down and overall, just be a little bit more prepared for the professional level, Montgomery said.
Braden is a Baron!
The White Sox promote 2024 first-rounder Braden Montgomery to Double-A Birmingham — his third affiliate in his debut season. pic.twitter.com/BFz64531Nw
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) July 29, 2025
Montgomery’s Play Draws Rave Reviews
After starting the season with Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers before being quickly being promoted to the High-A Winston-Salem Dash where his play drew high praise from White Sox director of player development Paul Janish.
“He’s a super impressive athlete. There’s not anything on the field he can’t do,” Janish said on June 30. “We talk about him offensively. But he can steal a base, play defense, he can really throw. I’ve said this about him before: the thing that has impressed me is the way he deals with staff, his teammates. The way he treats the clubhouse guy with respect. Just a really really impressive kid.”
This season Montgomery has slashed .260/.348/.445 with eight home runs, 17 doubles, 38 RBI, five stolen bases, 32 walks and 70 strikeouts in 290 plate appearances. With an expected call up in 2026, Montgomery is on track to be a part of the White Sox 2026 opening day roster.
