Colson Montgomery

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #1 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 60/High
  
  Track Record: A three-sport athlete in high school, Montgomery was recruited for basketball by in-state powerhouse Indiana, with the Hoosiers baseball program also wanting his services. In high school, he broke the Southridge basketball career scoring record and was also the quarterback for the football team, but he chose baseball as his profession. The White Sox drafted him 22nd overall in 2021 and signed him for a slot-value $3.027 million. Montgomery was on the fast track through the White Sox system before hitting a speed bump in 2023. He missed most of spring training and much of the first half of the season to a mid-back sprain, but after his return he looked just as good as ever. He hit a combined .287/.455/.484 with eight home runs, 56 walks and 56 strikeouts in 64 games across three levels, finishing the regular season with 37 games at Double-A Birmingham. His most impressive attribute is his outstanding plate discipline, as highlighted by a 15% walk rate at Double-A. Montgomery made up for lost time with a solid showing in the Arizona Fall League. His 20 RBIs tied for fourth in the AFL, while his .936 OPS placed 10th.
  
  Scouting Report: Montgomery is a polished hitter who doesn’t give away at-bats and consistently ranks as having the best strike-zone discipline in the organization. That is evident with his 56 walks in 64 games in 2023. His swing is simple and geared to use all fields, though he occasionally gets pull-oriented and looks to drive balls with authority. Montgomery is beginning to get more balls over the fence thanks to the 20 pounds of muscle he has added since starting his pro career, along with the torque generated by his long levers. He’s a below-average runner down the line who gets to average speed underway. He can go from first to third on hits to the outfield but he rarely looks to steal bases. Scouts are divided on Montgomery’s defense. Some see an above-average defender at shortstop who is athletic and has the good footwork and longer strides making up for the lack of pure speed. He is able to anticipate and read balls off the bat as well as position himself adeptly. Some see a player who might have to move to the outfield because of shaky hands and stiff actions on the infield. Those scouts also see a player with limited range who might fit best in an outfield corner, where his bat would certainly profile. Montgomery flashes an above-average arm and gets extra zip on his throws when necessary. He can also throw accurately without setting his feet.
  
  The Future: With tastes of Double-A ball in the last two seasons, Montgomery is ready to advance to Triple-A Charlotte in 2024. Like other shortstop prospects his size, Montgomery has persistently faced the question of whether he can stay at the position, but he’s passed every test so far. He is the organization’s shortstop of the future, and that future could begin in 2024. N
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55
• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #1 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: A three-sport athlete in high school, Montgomery was recruited for basketball by in-state powerhouse Indiana, with the Hoosiers baseball program also wanting his services. Montgomery broke the Southridge High basketball career scoring record and was also the quarterback for the football team. Baseball proved to be Montgomery's true love, and after two professional seasons, it looks like he made the right choice. The White Sox drafted Montgomery 22nd overall in 2021 and signed him for just over $3 million. He began his pro career in the Arizona Complex League and hit .287/.396/.362 in 26 games. He played at three levels in 2022, reaching Double-A Birmingham for 14 games to conclude the year. Montgomery's combined batting line of .274/.381/.429 included 11 home runs, a figure which hinted at his developing power. His 54 walks contributed to a high on-base percentage and represented an impressive total for a young hitter in his first taste of full-season ball. Montgomery reached base in 50 straight games over one stretch that spanned time at Low-A Kannapolis and High-A Winston-Salem. He was especially impressive in the Low-A Carolina League, where he hit .324/.424/.477 in 45 games despite missing three weeks early in the season with a bone bruise in his hand.
  
  Scouting Report: Montgomery has a polished approach at the plate, is the owner of the best strike-zone discipline in the system and doesn't often give away at-bats. His swing is simple and is geared toward driving the ball toward left-center field, while still showing enough barrel control to pull balls with authority. The 15 pounds of muscle he has added since turning pro and the torque generated by his long levers make evaluators believe he'll eventually hit for more power. Montgomery is an average runner, able to go first to third on a base hit, but so far has stolen only one base over two seasons. He's an instinctual, above-average defender, with solid footwork, hands and actions. His longer strides make up for the lack of pure speed. He ranges well to his left and is working at getting better on the backhand. Montgomery's above-average arm strength is enough for the position, especially considering he can throw before getting completely set up.
  
  The Future: Montgomery played the entire 2022 season at age 20 and was a year older than other high school players in his draft class, but the fact that he's already made it to Double-A shows that he's ahead of the curve. At 6-foot-4, Montgomery consistently faces questions as to whether he can stay at shortstop, similar to doubts faced by Corey Seager a decade ago. If Montgomery doesn't grow too much, there's reason to believe he can stay at shortstop. If not, he has the tools to handle third base. Montgomery will return to Birmingham in 2023 but could reach Triple-A Charlotte before the end of the summer.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 55. Power: 55. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55
• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #1 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Montgomery was a three-sport athlete in high school, excelling not just in baseball but also on the basketball court and football field as a star quarterback. He was especially notable for his basketball skills and finished as Southbridge (Ind.) High’s leading career scorer. He drew interest from Division I basketball programs, including in-state powerhouse Indiana, but baseball was Montgomery’s true love. He led his school to the Indiana Class 3A championship, earning second team All-America honors, and was committed to Indiana for baseball before the White Sox drafted him 22nd overall and signed him for $3.027 million. Montgomery was the first high schooler taken by the White Sox in the first round since Courtney Hawkins in 2012. Montgomery began his pro career in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League and showed a solid set of tools across the board with a baseball savvy that allowed him to consistently play above his raw gifts.
  
  Scouting Report: Montgomery has a smooth, lefthanded swing geared toward driving the ball to all fields. While he didn’t hit a home run in his pro debut, balls regularly jump off his bat, and he has the natural strength to project above-average power as he matures. Montgomery’s lanky, 6-foot-4 frame gives him long levers and some length to his swing, which could lead to higher strikeout totals. That was not an issue during ACL play, as Montgomery showed the ability to keep his hands in and stay short to the ball, making consistent contact. In addition to his above-average bat to ball skills, Montgomery showed a discerning eye at the plate, and the discipline to work deep into counts and take walks. While he didn’t hit for a lot of power in games, his power metrics were strong with maximum exit velocities reaching upward of 106 mph. At present Montgomery’s bat path is flat to downward at times, which led to lots of ground ball contact. As he optimizes his swing path for more power, adjusts to professional pitching and adds strength to his large frame, he should blossom into an above-average power hitter with a strong hit tool foundation. Defensively, Montgomery has a good chance to stay at shortstop despite his size. He is an average runner and moves well for his height with easy, smooth actions and good instincts. His above-average arm strength will be plenty for the left side of the infield, especially coupled with a good internal clock that keeps him from rushing his throws. He has all of the attributes needed to develop into an above-average defender, even if his size eventually slides him over to third base. He could excel at the position, where his smooth infield actions and above-average arm will play.
  
  The Future: There’s a lot to dream on with Montgomery, especially as he focuses strictly on baseball after playing multiple sports his whole life. An older prep player, he’ll already be 20 next spring, putting him on target for an assignment to Low-A Kannapolis. He has what it takes to stay at shortstop even as he adds strength, but also should have the power to profile at third base if he needs to move.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #34 prospect in 2021 draft
  Montgomery drew praise from scouts last summer thanks to a strong lefthanded swing that was regularly cited as one of the most pure and smooth swings in the class. A 6-foot-4, 190-pound shortstop, Montgomery is also a standout high school basketball player who uses his left hand on the court but throws righthanded on the baseball field. Scouts have lauded his athleticism even though he’s not a great runner, but his impressive reactions and average arm strength should give him a shot to handle third base at the next level. He has the frame, bat speed and swing to grow into more than enough power to profile at a corner position, with some scouts thinking he has plus raw power now and could grow into more at his physical peak. He has strength in his swing now and looks like the sort of hitter who will be a consistent home run threat, but there’s some length in the swing and his longer levers could create swing-and-miss issues as well. Those swing-and-miss issues surfaced at last summer’s East Coast Pro, leading many scouts to think he’ll be a power-over-hit sort of bat. Montgomery is older for the class and turned 19 in February, so he’ll be draft-eligible in his second year at Indiana if he makes it to campus. While teams who prioritize age might be more skeptical, there are some clubs who are fully in on Montgomery’s bat, and he has a chance to come off the board late in the first round or soon after.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #15 prospect in 2024
• Ranked Baseball America's #14 prospect in 2023
• Ranked Baseball America's #38 prospect in 2023

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: A three-sport athlete in high school, Montgomery was recruited for basketball by in-state powerhouse Indiana, with the Hoosiers baseball program also wanting his services. Montgomery broke the Southridge High basketball career scoring record and was also the quarterback for the football team. Baseball proved to be Montgomery's true love, and after two professional seasons, it looks like he made the right choice. The White Sox drafted Montgomery 22nd overall in 2021 and signed him for just over $3 million. He began his pro career in the Arizona Complex League and hit .287/.396/.362 in 26 games. He played at three levels in 2022, reaching Double-A Birmingham for 14 games to conclude the year. Montgomery's combined batting line of .274/.381/.429 included 11 home runs, a figure which hinted at his developing power. His 54 walks contributed to a high on-base percentage and represented an impressive total for a young hitter in his first taste of full-season ball. Montgomery reached base in 50 straight games over one stretch that spanned time at Low-A Kannapolis and High-A Winston-Salem. He was especially impressive in the Low-A Carolina League, where he hit .324/.424/.477 in 45 games despite missing three weeks early in the season with a bone bruise in his hand.
  
  Scouting Report: Montgomery has a polished approach at the plate, is the owner of the best strike-zone discipline in the system and doesn't often give away at-bats. His swing is simple and is geared toward driving the ball toward left-center field, while still showing enough barrel control to pull balls with authority. The 15 pounds of muscle he has added since turning pro and the torque generated by his long levers make evaluators believe he'll eventually hit for more power. Montgomery is an average runner, able to go first to third on a base hit, but so far has stolen only one base over two seasons. He's an instinctual, above-average defender, with solid footwork, hands and actions. His longer strides make up for the lack of pure speed. He ranges well to his left and is working at getting better on the backhand. Montgomery's above-average arm strength is enough for the position, especially considering he can throw before getting completely set up.
  
  The Future: Montgomery played the entire 2022 season at age 20 and was a year older than other high school players in his draft class, but the fact that he's already made it to Double-A shows that he's ahead of the curve. At 6-foot-4, Montgomery consistently faces questions as to whether he can stay at shortstop, similar to doubts faced by Corey Seager a decade ago. If Montgomery doesn't grow too much, there's reason to believe he can stay at shortstop. If not, he has the tools to handle third base. Montgomery will return to Birmingham in 2023 but could reach Triple-A Charlotte before the end of the summer.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 55. Power: 55. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: A three-sport athlete in high school, Montgomery was recruited for basketball by in-state powerhouse Indiana, with the Hoosiers baseball program also wanting his services. Montgomery broke the Southridge High basketball career scoring record and was also the quarterback for the football team. Baseball proved to be Montgomery's true love, and after two professional seasons, it looks like he made the right choice. The White Sox drafted Montgomery 22nd overall in 2021 and signed him for just over $3 million. He began his pro career in the Arizona Complex League and hit .287/.396/.362 in 26 games. He played at three levels in 2022, reaching Double-A Birmingham for 14 games to conclude the year. Montgomery's combined batting line of .274/.381/.429 included 11 home runs, a figure which hinted at his developing power. His 54 walks contributed to a high on-base percentage and represented an impressive total for a young hitter in his first taste of full-season ball. Montgomery reached base in 50 straight games over one stretch that spanned time at Low-A Kannapolis and High-A Winston-Salem. He was especially impressive in the Low-A Carolina League, where he hit .324/.424/.477 in 45 games despite missing three weeks early in the season with a bone bruise in his hand.
  
  Scouting Report: Montgomery has a polished approach at the plate, is the owner of the best strike-zone discipline in the system and doesn't often give away at-bats. His swing is simple and is geared toward driving the ball toward left-center field, while still showing enough barrel control to pull balls with authority. The 15 pounds of muscle he has added since turning pro and the torque generated by his long levers make evaluators believe he'll eventually hit for more power. Montgomery is an average runner, able to go first to third on a base hit, but so far has stolen only one base over two seasons. He's an instinctual, above-average defender, with solid footwork, hands and actions. His longer strides make up for the lack of pure speed. He ranges well to his left and is working at getting better on the backhand. Montgomery's above-average arm strength is enough for the position, especially considering he can throw before getting completely set up.
  
  The Future: Montgomery played the entire 2022 season at age 20 and was a year older than other high school players in his draft class, but the fact that he's already made it to Double-A shows that he's ahead of the curve. At 6-foot-4, Montgomery consistently faces questions as to whether he can stay at shortstop, similar to doubts faced by Corey Seager a decade ago. If Montgomery doesn't grow too much, there's reason to believe he can stay at shortstop. If not, he has the tools to handle third base. Montgomery will return to Birmingham in 2023 but could reach Triple-A Charlotte before the end of the summer.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 55. Power: 55. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 55/Extreme
  
  Track Record: Montgomery was a three-sport athlete in high school, excelling not just in baseball but also on the basketball court and football field as a star quarterback. He was especially notable for his basketball skills and finished as Southbridge (Ind.) High&#39s leading career scorer. He drew interest from Division I basketball programs, including in-state powerhouse Indiana, but baseball was Montgomery&#39s true love. He led his school to the Indiana Class 3A championship, earning second team All-America honors, and was committed to Indiana for baseball before the White Sox drafted him 22nd overall and signed him for $3.027 million. Montgomery was the first high schooler taken by the White Sox in the first round since Courtney Hawkins in 2012. Montgomery began his pro career in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League and showed a solid set of tools across the board with a baseball savvy that allowed him to consistently play above his raw gifts.
  
  Scouting Report: Montgomery has a smooth, lefthanded swing geared toward driving the ball to all fields. While he didn&#39t hit a home run in his pro debut, balls regularly jump off his bat, and he has the natural strength to project above-average power as he matures. Montgomery&#39s lanky, 6-foot-4 frame gives him long levers and some length to his swing, which could lead to higher strikeout totals. That was not an issue during ACL play, as Montgomery showed the ability to keep his hands in and stay short to the ball, making consistent contact. In addition to his above-average bat to ball skills, Montgomery showed a discerning eye at the plate, and the discipline to work deep into counts and take walks. While he didn&#39t hit for a lot of power in games, his power metrics were strong with maximum exit velocities reaching upward of 106 mph. At present Montgomery&#39s bat path is flat to downward at times, which led to lots of ground ball contact. As he optimizes his swing path for more power, adjusts to professional pitching and adds strength to his large frame, he should blossom into an above-average power hitter with a strong hit tool foundation. Defensively, Montgomery has a good chance to stay at shortstop despite his size. He is an average runner and moves well for his height with easy, smooth actions and good instincts. His above-average arm strength will be plenty for the left side of the infield, especially coupled with a good internal clock that keeps him from rushing his throws. He has all of the attributes needed to develop into an above-average defender, even if his size eventually slides him over to third base. He could excel at the position, where his smooth infield actions and above-average arm will play.
  
  The Future: There&#39s a lot to dream on with Montgomery, especially as he focuses strictly on baseball after playing multiple sports his whole life. An older prep player, he&#39ll already be 20 next spring, putting him on target for an assignment to Low-A Kannapolis. He has what it takes to stay at shortstop even as he adds strength, but also should have the power to profile at third base if he needs to move.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 55. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Montgomery was a three-sport athlete in high school, excelling not just in baseball but also on the basketball court and football field as a star quarterback. He was especially notable for his basketball skills and finished as Southbridge (Ind.) High’s leading career scorer. He drew interest from Division I basketball programs, including in-state powerhouse Indiana, but baseball was Montgomery’s true love. He led his school to the Indiana Class 3A championship, earning second team All-America honors, and was committed to Indiana for baseball before the White Sox drafted him 22nd overall and signed him for $3.027 million. Montgomery was the first high schooler taken by the White Sox in the first round since Courtney Hawkins in 2012. Montgomery began his pro career in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League and showed a solid set of tools across the board with a baseball savvy that allowed him to consistently play above his raw gifts.
  
  Scouting Report: Montgomery has a smooth, lefthanded swing geared toward driving the ball to all fields. While he didn’t hit a home run in his pro debut, balls regularly jump off his bat, and he has the natural strength to project above-average power as he matures. Montgomery’s lanky, 6-foot-4 frame gives him long levers and some length to his swing, which could lead to higher strikeout totals. That was not an issue during ACL play, as Montgomery showed the ability to keep his hands in and stay short to the ball, making consistent contact. In addition to his above-average bat to ball skills, Montgomery showed a discerning eye at the plate, and the discipline to work deep into counts and take walks. While he didn’t hit for a lot of power in games, his power metrics were strong with maximum exit velocities reaching upward of 106 mph. At present Montgomery’s bat path is flat to downward at times, which led to lots of ground ball contact. As he optimizes his swing path for more power, adjusts to professional pitching and adds strength to his large frame, he should blossom into an above-average power hitter with a strong hit tool foundation. Defensively, Montgomery has a good chance to stay at shortstop despite his size. He is an average runner and moves well for his height with easy, smooth actions and good instincts. His above-average arm strength will be plenty for the left side of the infield, especially coupled with a good internal clock that keeps him from rushing his throws. He has all of the attributes needed to develop into an above-average defender, even if his size eventually slides him over to third base. He could excel at the position, where his smooth infield actions and above-average arm will play.
  
  The Future: There’s a lot to dream on with Montgomery, especially as he focuses strictly on baseball after playing multiple sports his whole life. An older prep player, he’ll already be 20 next spring, putting him on target for an assignment to Low-A Kannapolis. He has what it takes to stay at shortstop even as he adds strength, but also should have the power to profile at third base if he needs to move.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Montgomery drew praise from scouts last summer thanks to a strong lefthanded swing that was regularly cited as one of the most pure and smooth swings in the class. A 6-foot-4, 190-pound shortstop, Montgomery is also a standout high school basketball player who uses his left hand on the court but throws righthanded on the baseball field. Scouts have lauded his athleticism even though he's not a great runner, but his impressive reactions and average arm strength should give him a shot to handle third base at the next level. He has the frame, bat speed and swing to grow into more than enough power to profile at a corner position, with some scouts thinking he has plus raw power now and could grow into more at his physical peak. He has strength in his swing now and looks like the sort of hitter who will be a consistent home run threat, but there's some length in the swing and his longer levers could create swing-and-miss issues as well. Those swing-and-miss issues surfaced at last summer's East Coast Pro, leading many scouts to think he'll be a power-over-hit sort of bat. Montgomery is older for the class and turned 19 in February, so he'll be draft-eligible in his second year at Indiana if he makes it to campus. While teams who prioritize age might be more skeptical, there are some clubs who are fully in on Montgomery's bat, and he has a chance to come off the board late in the first round or soon after.