GLENDALE, Ariz. — Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery experienced a number of major-league firsts last season. His first game was on July 4. His first hit came the next day. And his first home run occurred on July 22.
He is eager to add another first to that list soon — opening day.
“You see it all over TV all the time, how big they make opening day,” Montgomery said Tuesday at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz. “It will be really cool to be a part of that.”
Montgomery, 24, continues working on every aspect of his game as he gears up for the start of the season, which is March 26 in Milwaukee.
“(I’m) feeling pretty good,” Montgomery said. “Each day just trying to improve as much as I can, go over some film with some of the hitting coaches from the day prior. And not really try to think too much about the swing or the results or things like that. Because I feel if you get your body in a really good position to hit and you know you’re sticking to your process and your plan, results come.
“Just still trying to be process-oriented right now and not really too focused on results or anything like that. More just trying to stay healthy, keep my body healthy and just keep building until opening day.”
While Montgomery isn’t concentrating on the results, his power has been on display recently.
He hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning Sunday against the Kansas City Royals at Camelback Ranch and a solo shot in the third inning Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
The home run against the Royals went 430 feet.
“That’s one of the things we’ve been saying — if you just get your body in the right position and you’re committed to your plan and your process, the results will come and they’ll show,” Montgomery said. “Hitting homers and things like that give you a good reminder that you can do it.”
White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery hits a two-run home run against the Twins on Aug. 22, 2025, at Rate Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Montgomery hit 21 home runs in 71 games for the Sox in 2025 after being called up from Triple-A Charlotte on July 4. He entered Saturday tied for the team lead with three home runs this spring.
“He continues to work really hard,” manager Will Venable said Tuesday. “His work in our workouts has been outstanding. He’s paying attention to details. He’s one of the leaders in our drills. He’s a guy setting really good examples for guys.
“I think there’s been some good at-bats, and hasn’t really found the barrel until (the game against the Royals). But really good signs, even in some at-bats before controlling the zone and doing some of the things you like to see. Glad to see him get some results.”
Montgomery has a hit in each of his last five games, going 6-for-17 (.353) with two home runs, three RBIs and a 1.059 OPS during the stretch.
General manager Chris Getz said Montgomery is “in a good spot.”
“He’s had pretty good at-bats here recently,” Getz said Wednesday at Camelback Ranch. “He’s taking good passes at the ball and his defense has been solid.”
White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, left, works with third-base coach Justin Jirschele during spring training at Camelback Ranch on Feb. 18, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Montgomery also likes how everything is coming along defensively.
“Me and (infield coach Justin Jirschele) have a thing, dominate the 20 ground balls or 15, or however many I do,” Montgomery said. “In spring training you get so many ground balls. Your workload goes through the roof. It’s quality over quantity right now as we keep getting closer to the season.”
Montgomery is focused on everyday goals.
“My goal is just get everything that I can out of each day,” Montgomery said. “Just show up and try to be the best person, best player that I can every single day. I just feel like if I do that every single day, things results-wise should come out pretty positive.
“That’s how I think about every day. Just because baseball is such a tough game too. You start thinking about days ahead or at-bats that haven’t even happened or ground balls that haven’t even happened, you can get away from being in the present and being in the moment of what you can do.”
At this moment, Montgomery wants to be as ready as he can for opening day.
“I’m really excited,” Montgomery said. “Just take these days (in camp), do whatever I can right now to kind of fine-tune things the best that I can.”
Mike Vasil exits Cactus League game
Vasil exited Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers with right elbow soreness. He will undergo further evaluation, the Sox said.
Vasil allowed two hits, struck out three and walked two in 3 2/3 scoreless innings Saturday at Camelback Ranch. He has a 1.64 ERA in four outings (two starts) this spring while competing for a rotation spot, allowing two runs in 11 innings with nine strikeouts and eight walks.
He had a 2.50 ERA in 47 appearances (three starts) in 2025.
Sean Newcomb to work out of the bullpen
The Sox are working through options for their rotation. Venable said Saturday that Newcomb, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, will work out of the bullpen.
The left-hander went 2-5 with a 2.73 ERA, two saves, four holds and 91 strikeouts in 92 1/3 innings during 48 combined appearances (five starts) with the Boston Red Sox and Athletics last season. He has allowed six earned runs in 11 innings with 11 strikeouts and three walks in four outings (two starts) this spring.