White Sox Call Up Top Prospect Braden Montgomery

Key Points:

• The Chicago White Sox have officially added top outfield prospect Braden Montgomery to their 40-man roster, moving veteran Austin Hays to the 60-day injured list to open a spot. They also recalled left-handed pitcher Joe Rock from Triple-A Charlotte and optioned two players back to Charlotte.
• Montgomery, ranked 33rd on Baseball America’s top-100 prospects, was acquired from the Red Sox in a trade involving Garrett Crochet and has excelled at Double-A and Triple-A this season, posting a .314/.422/.548 batting line with 10 home runs and a 15.1% walk rate over 56 games.
• Despite some concerns about his strikeout rate and hit tool, Montgomery’s recent hot streak (.474/.580/.711 over 10 games) and strong defensive skills, including a powerful arm and elite speed, make him a promising addition to the White Sox outfield.
• Montgomery’s promotion adds to a growing core of young talent for the White Sox, including Sam Antonacci, Jacob Gonzalez, Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and NPB signee Munetaka Murakami, as Chicago seeks to solidify its lineup and outfield depth.
• While Montgomery may not play a full rookie season, the White Sox will control his contract for six years beyond 2026, with his long-term role and arbitration eligibility depending on his adjustment to major league pitching.