Feb 10, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable (1) watches from the bullpen during spring training camp at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Chicago White Sox prospect Braden Montgomery received some high praise from his future manager, Will Venable, who said, “He looks like he belongs amongst the big leaguers on the field.”
According to White Sox’s on-field reporter on X, Brooke Fletcher, Venable said that Montgomery has some defense to improve on. However, Venable praised his first step quickness and his ability to play all three outfield spots, saying, “He’s hungry to be great.” Venable also said Montgomery’s (a switch-hitter) right-handed swing is ahead of his left-handed swing.
The 36th best prospect in baseball, Montgomery had a fantastic spring before getting reassigned to minor league camp on Sunday. In 12 games, Montgomery batted .348 with an OPS of 1.000, a home run, three RBI, two triples, and six strikeouts. If Montgomery can improve in the areas Venable identified, he could get called up.
Braden Montgomery is one of the future foundational pieces of the Chicago White Sox’s success
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
A center piece in the Garrett Crochet trade, Montgomery has shown he’s a future big leaguer. Ascending through three minor league levels last season — hitting .270 with an OPS of .804 and 12 home runs — Montgomery will likely start the season at Triple-A to offer him a challenge.
A primary rightfielder — playing 42 games and having a .958 fielding percentage — Montgomery also played in centerfield. Montgomery performed well after playing just one game in a summer league season — a 1.000 fielding percentage in 45 games.
Being a switch-hitter will help Montgomery reach the big leagues faster, offering a platoon option for left or rightfield. Versus left-handed pitching last season (333 at-bats), Montgomery batted .273 with a .779 OPS and .261 and a .875 OPS against left-handed pitching.
Offering a potential platoon option, Montgomery could wind up being the White Sox’s everyday centerfielder. The White Sox have options for centerfield but lack a clear starter. Utility man Brooks Balwin is an option but is day-to-day with an elbow injury. Infielder Luisangel Acuna is another option to play in centerfield.
Mar 1, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Braden Montgomery (91) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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