Braden Montgomery may be a rookie, but he could be a key factor in the Chicago White Sox’s success this season.
After years of losing baseball, the White Sox are back. Currently holding a one game lead over Cleveland in the AL Central, the White Sox are above .500 for the first time since the 2023 season.
The White Sox called up Montgomery from the minor leagues only a few weeks ago. Even though he has less than 50 at-bats in his major league career, Montgomery can be the X-factor for the White Sox.
The star outfielder has already made a name for himself. He finished his MLB debut with a walk-off homerun against the Atlanta Braves, elevating them to an 11th inning victory.
Braden Montgomery Getting Into MLB Flow With White Sox
Since the White Sox are having a great year, adding Montgomery can be the piece they need to go on a run this postseason. This season, through 71 games, they rookie is batting .239, with 11 runs, 17 hits and two homers so far.
Drafted out of Texas A&M, Montgomery was the twelfth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. He is a switch-hitting power hitter who also has a great arm for an outfielder and can play anywhere in the outfield.
In 132 Triple-A games, Montgomery had a .315/.417/.495 slash line and a .912 OPS. His numbers proved just how ready he was to join the White Sox. Currently with 11 hits in 42 at-bats, Montgomery has a long way to go before he settles into his major league role but he can be the difference.
There have been several instances of rookies helping their teams in the playoffs. In 2020, Randy Arozarena hit .377 with 10 home runs and 14 RBIs and in 2022 Jeremy Pena hit .345 and won both ALCS MVP and World Series MVP.
Montgomery’s entry into the lineup has given the White Sox an immediate spark with middle of the order power. He also adds to their youth which helps the White Sox excel at times.
Will Venable Will Keep Putting Montgomery On The Field
Montgomery will get plenty of opportunities to play in Chicago.
“He’s here to play,” White Sox Manager Will Venable said. “We’re not going to call him up here and sit him on the bench. He’s a guy that we’re excited to have in the lineup on a daily basis. He projects as an above-average right fielder, above-average center fielder, but I think as we’re constructed right now, would probably mostly be right field. Excited to have him out there.”
Outside of baseball, Montgomery is a good teammate and committed to being at his best for the team.
“I’m a fun, dynamic player,” Montgomery said. “I enjoy being with my teammates, being around them, feeding off what they do. I like to think I can do a whole lot of different things on the ball field, so I’ll be able to make it happen, to try my best to contribute to winning in all facets. I’m looking to move the needle in all facets of my game each day. I’m not the same player week to week, month to month, and hopefully definitely not year to year.”
Montgomery is also a coachable player and very hard working. During his time in the Cactus League, he hit against specific pitches in different hitting situations to train for game like at-bats.
Before making his debut, Montgomery spoke about his goal of reaching the major leagues and expressed how much he appreciated the opportunity.
“Being able to see these guys on the diamond that you’ve been seeing on TV and on videos all over, it’s really cool,” Montgomery said. It’s even cooler to compartmentalize. I’m part of that now. But it’s still a little bit of an adjustment.”
