Shortstop Colson Montgomery experienced a transformative 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox, overcoming early struggles in the minor leagues to make his major league debut on July 4. After sharpening his swing in Arizona, Montgomery hit 21 home runs in just 71 games, signaling his emergence as a key player heading into the Chicago White Sox spring training.
Montgomery reflected on his rapid rise:
“Once I got up here to Chicago, I just started having the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. It’s everything you’ve worked for,”
he said during SoxFest Live at the Ramova Theatre on January 30. He also emphasized his offseason efforts to prepare for a full Major League season:
“I’ve done a lot this offseason to get my body ready for 162.”
Montgomery was one among several promising White Sox prospects who moved from the minors to the majors last season, joining infielder Chase Meidroth, catchers Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel, and pitcher Grant Taylor. This young core, which also includes pitchers Shane Smith and Mike Vasil as well as third baseman Miguel Vargas, will be under close observation throughout spring training as they vie to build upon their initial major league experience.
Manager Will Venable’s Second Season Leadership
The team’s development continues under manager Will Venable, now entering his second year at the helm.
“We’re all learning and growing and getting better and certainly feel like I’m one year better than I was last year and have a season long of experiences to help guide me and help me better in my job on a daily basis,”
Venable said on January 29. He remains optimistic but aware of the challenges ahead:
“I’m excited about what can come of that and know that we’ve got a lot of work to do at the same time.”
The initial phase of spring training begins with pitchers and catchers reporting Tuesday in Glendale, Arizona, followed by the full team’s first workout scheduled for February 15. Much of the camp’s focus will be on refining the skills of this youthful nucleus and integrating the new arrivals.
Major Offseason Moves and New Additions to the Roster
The White Sox were active during the offseason, making several key acquisitions designed to boost the team’s offensive and pitching capabilities. The biggest splash came with the signing of first baseman Munetaka Murakami, a two-time Nippon Professional Baseball Japanese Central League MVP, who inked a two-year, $34 million contract on December 21. Murakami’s impressive eight-season track record includes 246 home runs for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, adding a potent power bat and considerable international appeal to the White Sox lineup.
Third baseman Miguel Vargas highlighted Murakami’s talent and the importance of making the new player feel at home: “He’s a star,” Vargas said during SoxFest Live on January 30.
“He’s a guy who’s an MVP in Japan, he can hit. I think for us, the most important thing is make this a home, make him feel welcomed (so) he can be the best he can be.”
Additional pitching depth was addressed through multiple signings and trades. Starter Anthony Kay, returning to the majors after two seasons in Japan, signed a two-year deal. The bullpen was strengthened by acquiring reliever Seranthony Domínguez for two years, while other pitching additions include Sean Newcomb on a one-year contract, Chris Murphy in a trade with the Boston Red Sox, and the Rule 5 draft selections of Jedixson Paez and Alexander Alberto.
The outfield underwent significant changes following the trade of center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets. One of the key players received in return, Luisangel Acuña, is expected to see time in center. Outfield depth was further enriched by acquiring Everson Pereira and Tristan Peters from the Tampa Bay Rays and obtaining pitchers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin from Boston. Hicks has experience both as a starter and reliever, providing flexibility for the pitching staff.
New signing Austin Hays was also added to the outfield mix with a one-year deal, providing the White Sox with fresh options and experience.
Emerging Prospects Ready to Make an Impact
The White Sox are also looking toward younger talent to supplement the roster during the 2026 season. Nonroster invitees include pitchers Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith along with outfielder Braden Montgomery, all prospects expected to challenge for roles at some point in the coming year.
Schultz, a first-round pick in 2022 from Oswego East, spent the previous season between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte. Hagen Smith, last year’s first-round pick in 2024, also played at Birmingham and concluded the year strongly in both the playoffs and the Arizona Fall League.
General manager Chris Getz expressed enthusiasm ahead of spring:
“I can’t wait to see these guys in spring training,”
he said on January 29.
“Noah is feeling really good and the way Hagen finished the season last year in the playoffs and the (Arizona) Fall League. 2026 is a new season for those guys and us and we anticipate that they are going to be able to help us at some point. But most importantly coming to spring training, have a productive one, be healthy and have the best version of themselves throughout the year.”
MLB.com ranks Schultz as baseball’s No. 49 prospect entering 2026, while Smith holds the No. 72 spot. Montgomery is ranked even higher at No. 36 after showcasing his skills across Class A Kannapolis, High Class A Winston-Salem, and Double-A Birmingham last season.
White Sox director of player development Paul Janish praised Montgomery’s dedication:
“(Montgomery) works as hard as anybody in the organization, which is a benefit to us because we can point to him and highlight that. That’s beneficial not just for himself but for his teammates. We talk a lot about his offensive capabilities but he has a really, really strong desire to be a complete player and he works at it. I’m excited for his year that’s coming up. We’ll see where the road leads.”
Players Participating in the World Baseball Classic
The upcoming World Baseball Classic, scheduled for early March, will feature five White Sox players named to various national teams. First baseman Munetaka Murakami will represent Japan, reliever Seranthony Domínguez will play for the Dominican Republic, and catcher Kyle Teel is on Italy’s roster. Infielder Sam Antonacci, a nonroster invitee to the Sox camp who impressed in 2025 with Winston-Salem, Birmingham, and the Arizona Fall League, also joins Italy’s team. Curtis Mead, who appeared in 41 games for Chicago last season after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, will represent Australia.
The first round of the Classic runs from March 5 to 11, with games held in Tokyo, Houston, Miami, and other locations. Japan and Australia will compete in Tokyo, Italy plays in Houston, and the Dominican Republic will be in Miami. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals set for March 13 and 14, followed by semifinals on March 15 and 16 and the championship game on March 17.
Players participating in the Classic will join their national teams for parts of the spring before returning to Glendale for the White Sox’s final preseason preparations as the regular season approaches.
