White Sox want Colson in a 'good spot' at Triple-A before a callup

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Colson Montgomery will not break camp as the White Sox starting shortstop or as part of their Opening Day roster this year, after the No. 39 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline, was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte prior to the club's 7-5 loss to the Padres on Tuesday.

Montgomery's absence at the season’s outset doesn’t necessarily mean an absence from the Majors altogether in 2025.

“The conversation went well; Colson certainly listened to what we had to say,” general manager Chris Getz said. “He’s a very mature kid and he handled it like a pro.

“We explained to him how important he is to this organization and the future of the White Sox. Through that, you make decisions like this in the best interest of Colson and certainly the Chicago White Sox. But most importantly, we want the front end of the year to be one that goes out there and is just really productive, locking in what he’s working on.”

Montgomery, who turned 23 on Feb. 27, missed 10 Cactus League games after being scratched on his birthday with back spasms. The White Sox have characterized the issue as a hiccup and not worrisome, despite Montgomery dealing with a more extensive back malady in 2023. But getting his season started away from the cold and bluster of spring in the Midwest is not a bad idea.

It’s unfair to characterize the White Sox rebuild as revolving around Montgomery’s short-term and long-term successes, but there is no question Montgomery is a crucial component -- especially with Chicago's pitching side ahead of the hitting side as far as prospects are concerned.

Getting Montgomery off to a good start becomes important, especially taking into account his strong finish with Charlotte in 2024 after a rough overall campaign in his first foray with the Knights.

“I want to make sure he’s in a very good spot offensively, defensively and baserunning, before we put him in the big leagues. It’s a challenge they haven’t been faced with before,” said Getz of Montgomery, whose lone Cactus League hit was a home run. “He’s got the makings of someone who will be able to handle that. It’s our duty to make sure that he’s ready to go from Day 1.”

“To be able to get him the at-bats he needs and the good start we want him to have, doing it in Triple-A is the best way to go about it,” manager Will Venable said. “He’s just an elite mover. He’s just a good guy. He’s got a really good head on his shoulders. He looks like a big leaguer, he walks like a big leaguer, he talks the talk. You get the sense that he’s a really good player and we expect him to be.”

No. 8 prospect Chase Meidroth, who was part of the four-player return in the Garrett Crochet trade, remains in the mix for the White Sox starting shortstop’s job. Veteran Josh Rojas, who has more career experience at second base and third base, has played three games at shortstop during Spring Training, while Jacob Amaya remains as the best overall defensive option -- though Amaya is day to day with left hip tightness.

Expect to see numerous players move through the White Sox middle infield this season, particularly in the early days.

“It doesn’t have to be one person playing every day at shortstop,” Getz said. “We have right-handed options, we have left-handed options. We have guys who can play all over. It’s going to take a team effort. Colson will be in Triple-A and up in Chicago before we know it.”

“We’ll be taking a look at a lot of different guys at shortstop,” Venable said. “It’s still going to be a competition.”

Cannon wants the best

San Diego had what looked to be a regular-season lineup in action for Tuesday’s contest. And despite giving up four runs on eight hits in three innings, right-hander Jonathan Cannon was happy to face their best.

“It’s a pitcher’s dream in Spring Training. You want that -- you want to make sure your stuff is dialed in, so sometimes it’s tough depending on who you’re facing,” said Cannon, who struck out two. “You want to face those guys.

“Had those guys not been in the lineup, maybe my changeup would have done really well today and I go into the season thinking it’s in a good spot. You’re able to make adjustments, and I have two outings left and that’s what I’m going to do: Build on every start, improve on the positives, get rid of the negatives and get ready for the first week.”