Colson Montgomery's 2026 Season: Power and Challenges

The Chicago White Sox had a surprising 2026 season, winning 84 games and securing a Wild Card playoff spot, although they were eliminated by the Guardians in the Division Series. Shortstop Colson Montgomery was a notable player, having a mixed season.

Montgomery, 24, participated in 153 games and recorded 638 plate appearances. He led American League shortstops with 31 home runs and 87 RBIs, showcasing significant power despite a low batting average of .197. His defensive skills were also commendable, earning him a +10 Outs Above Average rating. However, he faced challenges with contact, striking out 35.6% of the time, the highest rate among qualified players.

To improve, Montgomery needs to refine his swing decisions and reduce his strikeouts, particularly against four-seam fastballs, where he saw a significant drop in performance. The White Sox may consider trading him for pitching help, especially with the upcoming arrival of top draft pick Roch Cholowsky, who is expected to take over the shortstop position in the future.