Chicago swings for the fences with this power-packed prospect
Braden Montgomery
Right Fielder
6´2´´
220 pounds
Age: 21
2024 High Level Texas A&M (NCAA)
Age relative to high level years -0.3
SSS rank among all right fielders in the system 1
Overall 2024 NCAA stats 61 games ⚾️ 27 HR ⚾️ 85 RBI ⚾️ .322/.454/.733 ⚾️ 53 BB ⚾️ 59 K ⚾️ 3-of-5 (60%) SB ⚾️ .969 FLD% ⚾️ 5.2 Simple WAR
Braden Montgomery is a power-hitting outfielder with a cannon for an arm. His professional career began when the Boston Red Sox selected him in the First Round (No. 12) in the 2024 MLB Draft. However, his stay in Beantown was short-lived, as the BoSox traded him to Chicago in a blockbuster deal last December that centered around ace pitcher Garrett Crochet. The package also included prospects Chase Meidroth, Kyle Teel, and Wikelman Gonzalez.
The 21-year-old switch hitter established himself as a force to be reckoned with throughout his collegiate career. He showcased his versatility and power at both Stanford University (2022-23) and Texas A&M (2024). In College Station last summer his bat exploded, launching an impressive 27 home runs in a single season and solidifying his reputation as an elite power hitter. He racked up 17 awards throughout the 2024 season, including his ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-American selection. Montgomery also pitched a bit in college, although it seems evident that the White Sox do not intend to develop him on the pitching side.
Unfortunately for the superstar, his time at A&M concluded with a season-ending injury: Montgomery suffered a broken ankle diving into home plate during Game 1 of the Super Regionals against Oregon, sidelining him as his Aggies teammates advanced to the College World Series finals, where they ultimately fell to Tennessee. Before the injury, Montgomery’s talent had scouts buzzing, with projections placing him firmly in the Top 10 and as high as No. 8 in the 2024 draft.
Due to the ankle injury, Braden did not play professional ball last season. However, recognizing the potential, Chicago invited him to Spring Training, where he was impressive in a small sample size: .333/.556/.333 with a .889 OPS, three walks, and three Ks.
Overall, scouts have been particularly impressed with Montgomery’s raw power, which is considered his standout tool. But his arsenal doesn’t stop there. He also boasts a truly elite arm, earning grades of 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. This prodigious arm strength, switch-hitting ability, and athletic frame paint the picture of a true five-tool talent. Montgomery’s arrival in Chicago has immediately catapulted him to the upper echelon of the White Sox prospect rankings. MLB Pipeline has him ranked as their No. 5 prospect within the system and No. 54 in the overall Top 100, highlighting his status as one of the game’s brightest young stars.
The Pale Hose are clearly banking on Montgomery’s potential to become a cornerstone of their future lineup, as his combination of power, arm strength, and overall athleticism give Sox fans something to be excited about. He might indeed have the highest ceiling for a hitter in Chicago’s system.
Because he hasn’t yet played a minor league game, Braden will likely start in Low-A Kannapolis, although he will either move quickly to High-A Winston-Salem or start outright with the Dash. If he lights it up rather quickly, which some anticipate he might, don’t be surprised to see him in Double-A Birmingham by mid-season.
2025 South Side Sox Top 100 White Sox Prospects
6. Braden Montgomery, RF
7. Jairo Iriarte, RHRP
8. Mason Adams, RHSP
9. Grant Taylor, RHSP
10. George Wolkow, RF
11. Bryan Ramos, 3B
12. Brooks Baldwin, SS
13. Chase Meidroth, SS
14. Ky Bush, LHSP
15. Jeral Perez, SS
16. Jacob Gonzalez, SS
17. Caleb Bonemer, SS
18. Wikelman Gonzalez, RHSP
19. Aldrin Batista, RHSP
20. Sean Burke, RHSP
21. Nick Nastrini, RHSP
22. Blake Larson, LHSP
23. Tyler Schweitzer, LHSP
24. Alexander Albertus, 3B
25. Wilfred Veras, RF
26. Seth Keener, RHSP
27. William Bergolla, 2B
28. Samuel Zavala, CF
29. Peyton Pallette, RHRP
30. Jake Eder, LHSP
31. Juan Carela, RHSP
32. Javier Mogollón, SS
33. Nick McLain, RF
34. Ronny Hernandez, C
35. Casey Saucke, RF
36. Eric Adler, RHRP
37. Rikuu Nishida, 2B
38. Shane Smith, RHSP
39. Tim Elko, 1B
40. Zach DeLoach, LF
41. Riley Gowens, RHSP
42. Prelander Berroa, RHRP
43. Sam Antonacci, 2B
44. Adisyn Coffey, RHRP
45. Jarold Rosado, RHRP
46. Ryan Galanie, 1B
47. Trey McGough, LHRP
48. Ricardo Brizuela, RHSP
49. Lucas Gordon, LHSP
50. Aaron Combs, RHRP (traded to Phillies on January 1)
51. DJ Gladney, RF
52. Abraham Núñez, CF
53. Andre Lipcius, 1B
54. Shawn Goosenberg, 1B
55. Caden Connor, 1B
56. Mario Camilletti, 2B
57. Jake Peppers, RHSP
58. Ryan Burrowes, SS
59. Garrett Schoenle, LHRP
60. Jackson Appel, C
61. Tommy Vail, LHSP
62. Bryce Collins, RHRP
63. Tanner McDougal, RHSP
64. Stiven Flores, C
65. T.J. McCants, CF
66. Gil Luna, LHRP
67. Fraser Ellard, LHRP
68. Zach Franklin, RHRP
69. Drew Dalquist, RHRP
70. Nick Altermatt, RHRP
71. Carson Jacobs, RHRP
72. Alec Makarewicz, 1B
73. Jacob Burke, CF
74. Calvin Harris, C
75. Terrell Tatum, CF
76. Phil Fox, RHRP
77. Reudis Diaz, RHSP
78. Jurdrick Profar, SS
79. Drew McDaniel, RHSP
80. Michael Turner, C
81. Caleb Freeman, RHRP
82. Braden Shewmake, SS (designated for assignment on January 1, claimed by Royals)
83. Connor McCullough, RHSP
84. Shane Murphy, LHSP
85. Mikey Kane, 1B
86. Daniel González, LHRP
87. Wes Kath, 3B
88. Pierce George, RHRP
89. Tristan Stivors, RHRP
90. Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa, RHRP
91. Chase Plymell, RHRP
92. Eddie Park, CF
93. Loidel Chapelli, 2B
94. Adam Hackenberg, C
95. Adrian Gil, 1B
96. Jared Kelley, RHRP
97. Lyle Miller-Green, 1B
98. Marcelo Alcala, RF
99. Drake Logan, LF
100. Cole McConnell, CF