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This is why they play the game. We knew that the AL Central wasn’t exactly the strongest division entering the MLB 2026 season. That has been the case for the past few years, and it generally is wide open. However, there are usually four teams in contention, while a fifth, the Chicago White Sox, serves as the punching bag for the rest of the division. In 2026, though, things are different.
Entering action today, the White Sox are 34-31 and sit just 1.5 games out of first place behind the Cleveland Guardians. Not only that, but Chicago is currently sitting in the second Wild Card spot, which puts them in the playoffs by a two-game margin. Considering the fact that the White Sox have won 16 of their last 19 games entering play on Tuesday, that shouldn’t be surprising. But now, Chicago needs to keep things going.
MORE: MLB first basemen power rankings entering week 12
Feb 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Braden Montgomery against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they have promoted one of their top prospects, Braden Montgomery. The 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft and centerpiece of Chicago’s return for Garrett Crochet should provide an immediate spark and boost to the White Sox lineup.
After making his professional debut in 2025, Montgomery has moved quickly through Chicago’s system. Last season, the outfielder began in A-ball, then progressed to High-A, and then Double-A before ending his season in the Arizona Fall League. In 121 games, he hit .270 with 12 home runs, `14 stolen bases, and 68 RBI with a .174 ISO. While Montgomery does have a double-digit walk rate throughout his career, he also had a 25.1% strikeout rate last year, and that’s going to continue to be a concern.
Power is Montgomery’s calling card, and he finished the year in Arizona with a 1.161 OPS in 12 games. That momentum then carried forward to Double-A and Triple-A this season. Through 56 games prior to his promotion, Montgomery hit .314 with 10 home runs, 41 RBI, 52 runs scored, and five stolen bases. We saw his ISO jump to .233 while getting a true look at what Montgomery’s capable of. While he’s going to provide a clear spark and value add to Chicago’s lineup, we always have to allow for some level of a learning curve. But the talent is there, and it’s exciting to see Chicago with positive momentum.
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Entering action today, the White Sox are 34-31 and sit just 1.5 games out of first place behind the Cleveland Guardians. Not only that, but Chicago is currently sitting in the second Wild Card spot, which puts them in the playoffs by a two-game margin. Considering the fact that the White Sox have won 16 of their last 19 games entering play on Tuesday, that shouldn’t be surprising. But now, Chicago needs to keep things going.
MORE: MLB first basemen power rankings entering week 12
The Promotion Shouldn’t Shock You
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Feb 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Braden Montgomery against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they have promoted one of their top prospects, Braden Montgomery. The 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft and centerpiece of Chicago’s return for Garrett Crochet should provide an immediate spark and boost to the White Sox lineup.
After making his professional debut in 2025, Montgomery has moved quickly through Chicago’s system. Last season, the outfielder began in A-ball, then progressed to High-A, and then Double-A before ending his season in the Arizona Fall League. In 121 games, he hit .270 with 12 home runs, `14 stolen bases, and 68 RBI with a .174 ISO. While Montgomery does have a double-digit walk rate throughout his career, he also had a 25.1% strikeout rate last year, and that’s going to continue to be a concern.
Power is Montgomery’s calling card, and he finished the year in Arizona with a 1.161 OPS in 12 games. That momentum then carried forward to Double-A and Triple-A this season. Through 56 games prior to his promotion, Montgomery hit .314 with 10 home runs, 41 RBI, 52 runs scored, and five stolen bases. We saw his ISO jump to .233 while getting a true look at what Montgomery’s capable of. While he’s going to provide a clear spark and value add to Chicago’s lineup, we always have to allow for some level of a learning curve. But the talent is there, and it’s exciting to see Chicago with positive momentum.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
