Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery has established himself as a promising talent after his MLB debut last season. Despite initial struggles at the beginning of 2025, Montgomery regained momentum in the latter half, demonstrating why the team views him as a key player for their future. As the 2026 season approaches, Montgomery’s growing confidence is a critical factor in his continued development.
Montgomery reflected on his difficulties early in 2025, recalling how not making the roster initially made him doubt himself. However, he found renewed focus and determination that fueled his strong finish to last season.
“It felt good, especially just where things kind of started, you know, coming into camp, you know, battling for position on the team, and for that to not happen you know, it could definitely get you discouraged, and, you know, your confidence low, and everything like that,” Montgomery said to MLB Network Radio on his 2025 season. “And so I just knew that, you know, there’s certain timings for things. And went to Triple-A, and was still kind of sulking about it, and, you know, that kind of went into not really playing very good in Triple-A. So definitely had to put a lot of ego aside and kind of just get back on track of just being one day at a time, one at bat at a time.”
Montgomery credited his White Sox teammates with helping him regain his self-belief, which allowed him to align his routines and preparation properly. This shift in mindset was a catalyst for his successful stretch at the major league level.
“So then, you know, a lot of the White Sox, they definitely helped out with a lot of that stuff, you know, just kind of tell me how much they still believe in believe in me and things like that. And at the end of the day, I just felt like things started just aligned pretty good for me, you know, routines and preparation, everything was really good so and then everyone always asked me, like, what changed? And I don’t really feel like anything changed. I just felt like, you know, my confidence was at a high, and I just felt like I knew going into each day that I was gonna give everything I had, and I think that’s why it resulted in a pretty good second half.”
Performance turnaround in minors and majors highlights Colson Montgomery’s potential
Montgomery’s early 2025 stint in Triple-A was marked by struggles at the plate, where he batted .218 with an OPS of .733, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 30 RBIs over 216 at-bats. His slump led him to work closely with White Sox director of hitting Ryan Fuller, who helped Montgomery adjust his swing mechanics, setting the stage for his MLB return.
Upon his promotion back to the majors, Montgomery’s offensive production noticeably improved. He posted a .239 batting average with an OPS of .840 and ranked second on the team with 21 home runs across 71 games. This surge established him as a vital offensive contributor and boosted expectations for his role in the upcoming season.
Manager Will Venable is expected to position Montgomery within the top third of the batting order for 2026, where protection from power hitters like first baseman and designated hitter Munetaka Murakami and second baseman Lenyn Sosa should create better opportunities at the plate.
However, Montgomery’s high strikeout rate remains an area of concern, as he struck out 83 times in 255 at-bats (284 plate appearances). Improving his plate discipline will be crucial for maximizing his offensive potential this year.
Montgomery’s emerging role in the White Sox lineup for the new season
With the White Sox shaping a refreshed team identity, Colson Montgomery’s development carries significant weight. As a sophomore player with notable power, he is poised to become one of the team’s top contributors in 2026. His progression will also play a key part in sustaining the team’s overall competitive trajectory alongside established and emerging talents like Murakami and Sosa.
The increased lineup protection offered by Murakami, a seasoned slugger with 246 career home runs in Japan’s NPB, and Lenyn Sosa, the team’s current home run leader, could lead to more favorable pitches for Montgomery to attack. This dynamic may ultimately elevate his power statistics and batting productivity.
Outlook on the 2026 season and what lies ahead for Montgomery and the White Sox
Entering spring camp with a renewed sense of confidence, Colson Montgomery is prepared to build on his successes from last season. His mental growth and refined technique suggest a promising 2026, with the potential to solidify his status as a cornerstone for the Chicago White Sox’s future.
Montgomery’s ability to maintain focus one at-bat at a time and to manage the pressures of the major leagues will be tested as he navigates the next phase of his career. The support system within the White Sox organization and his own resilience position him well to meet these challenges.
This sustained upward trajectory may not only impact Montgomery’s personal career but also contribute meaningfully to the White Sox’s competitive ambitions, signaling a fresh identity and hopeful outlook for the franchise and its fans.
"I had to put a lot of ego aside and get back on track with being one at-bat at a time."
After a successful second half of his MLB debut, shortstop Colson Montgomery is feeling a new wave of confidence this camp:#WhiteSox | @whitesox
🔗 https://t.co/WG5zyiVTKm pic.twitter.com/x9lKv8hEOi— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 23, 2026
