The Chicago White Sox have some power and ability at the shortstop position this year and in the future. The series between the White Sox and the Detroit Tigers this past weekend gave fans a glimpse of something in particular. It might be the best-kept secret, as the White Sox seem to have some talent at shortstop. Sure, the current starter and Paul DeJong went through some ups and downs in the first game. But he got something going in the last game of the series.
Then there’s Braden Shewmake. Shewmake had a big first game with the White Sox, getting a home run on his first at-bat. He’s a speedy option who can steal bases and make plays in the infield. Yet, another White Sox player at shortstop is waiting in the wings in the minors. That player is Colson Montgomery, and honestly, out of DeJong, Shewmake, and Montgomery, the latter may be the best of the bunch.
But Shewmake still has much to prove to get where he needs to be.
The White Sox Shortstop Position Now and Down the Road
The Present
DeJong and Shewmake will be the guys that operate at shortstop in the near term. With both of them performing reasonably well in the Tigers series, Shewmake and DeJong will be what we see daily for a while—some like DeJong’s leadership ability and knowledge of the game. Shewmake is a guy who can hopefully hit many balls and steal a few bases. If he adapts well to the major leagues, it’s possible he could see more playing time than DeJong does.
But Shewmake’s taking over more playing time is still slightly off. He’s still young and has a lot to learn. But wouldn’t it be great if he could get going quickly and he and DeJong could tag-team in the lineup? Things could get better for the White Sox if they could both hit regularly, like they did against the Tigers.
The shortstop position could be their most vital position on the team next to center field.
A loaded @NorfolkTides squad — headlined by MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect Jackson Holliday — meets Colson Montgomery (MLB No. 9) and @KnightsBaseball tonight, and you can watch for FREE.
Preview: https://t.co/6or1LHB03G pic.twitter.com/aQIsopNVkl
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 2, 2024
The Future
Montgomery is the future at the White Sox shortstop position. There is no doubt about that, and he’s champing at the bit to join the White Sox major league roster. He has the talent and ability but doesn’t have the seasoning yet to play in the big leagues. But his time is coming. In fact, you could almost bet that before the end of the season, he will have been called up, perhaps permanently, to the Sox big league roster.
One could see that DeJong might be gone when the 2025 season comes, and Montgomery and Shewmake are the two players left standing at shortstop. That would seemingly make the most sense. It all depends on how well Montgomery develops and when he makes it up to the majors. But 2024 and beyond will be the era of the shortstop for the White Sox.
The Chicago White Sox are fairly lucky to be in their current position. They have some talent coming up in the minors, which will help them. In addition, their younger guys are starting to look better all the time.
Main Photo: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
