White Sox 2022 top prospects: Colson Montgomery, first-round pick to the 2021 MLB Draft, leads Chicago’s list

Owners of Major League Baseball may have locked players, activated league out of work for the first time since 1994-95 and pausing the season, but that doesn’t mean we’re letting it derail our typical off-season plans. Indeed, CBS Sports is in the process of highlighting the top three prospects for all 30 teams, as well as naming the top 50 prospects in the minors, regardless of team membership.

That journey shows us what we are focusing on today Chicago White Sox’s farm system.

Please note that these lists were formed after conversations with scouts, analysts and player developers from across the league. There is personal bias, as one would expect from subjective exercises, so some disagreement is to be expected.

Now, enter the gas station.

The White Sox beat Montgomery with the 22nd pick in the draft in July. He then hit .287 / .396 / .362 as part of 26 games in rookie ball. Montgomery engendered Corey Seager comparison in his amateur days because of his tall frame (he’s 6-foot-4) and his left-handed swing would provide a lot of power at his peak. Obviously those comparisons should be taken as salt because they produce a good outcome (Montgomery makes a good cut-off) turn into a potential disappointment, but they are fun to think back on. now, right?

2. Wes Kath, 3B / OF

Chicago continued the Montgomery draft by choosing Kath, another tall, left-handed quarterback. Alas, his introduction to pro football wasn’t as good as Montgomery’s; he beat .212 / .287 / .337 with 5 extra base hits and 42 attacks in 115 plate appearances – that’s almost 37%, for those without a handheld. Kath would never stick to a shortstop, and the White Sox wasted no time getting his big arm down on third base. (They also gave him a right-court game.) Ultimately, Kath will have to harness his age-old raw powers, and reel from his touch woes, to fulfill his promise. me.

3. Norge Vera, RHP

Vera signed with the White Sox for $1.5 million in February. However, he is yet to make his national team debut as he made eight appearances during the year in the Dominica Summer League. Vera dominated the competition, beating 34 of the 69 players he faced and disallowing a run with nine hits in 19 frames. Vera already has an above-average fast ball, but he will need to work with his shift and command (the way most young pitchers do) to become a starter. mid-range or better.