Colson Montgomery making MLB history as White Sox star strengthens All-Star case

The Chicago White Sox have been one of baseball's biggest surprises in 2026, sitting atop the AL Central despite entering the season with modest expectations. While several players have contributed to that turnaround, few have been as important as shortstop Colson Montgomery. The 24-year-old slugger added another remarkable achievement to his growing resume this week, putting himself in a category no player in Major League Baseball history has ever reached before.

According to STATS, Montgomery became the first player in MLB history to hit at least 20 home runs within his first 275 at-bats in each of his first two major league seasons. It's the latest sign that Montgomery is rapidly developing into one of the game's premier young power hitters.

Colson Montgomery's power numbers continue to impress

Montgomery launched his 20th home run of the season during the White Sox's series against the Yankees, giving him 20 homers through just 256 at-bats in 2026. What's even more impressive is that he accomplished a nearly identical feat as a rookie.

In 2025, Montgomery hit 21 home runs in just 255 at-bats after making his major league debut on July 4. This season, he has followed it up with 20 homers in virtually the same number of opportunities. That level of consistency is rare for any player, let alone someone who is still only 24 years old and learning how opposing pitchers are attacking him.

Through 70 games this season, Montgomery is batting .230 with 20 home runs, 45 RBI and an .841 OPS. While the batting average may not jump off the page, his power production has placed him among the American League's most dangerous hitters. His 20 home runs rank among the AL leaders, while his .516 slugging percentage and .841 OPS have helped fuel Chicago's unexpected rise to the top of the division standings.

White Sox rebuilding project may be ahead of schedule

When the White Sox traded away veterans and committed to a youth movement, Montgomery was viewed as one of the franchise cornerstones. The former first-round pick has quickly justified that belief.

Chicago entered Friday with a 39-34 record and a narrow lead in the AL Central, a position few projected the club to occupy at this point in the season. Montgomery's emergence has been one of the biggest reasons why. Over his first 141 career games, he has already accumulated 41 home runs and 100 RBI while posting an .841 OPS. Those are star-level power numbers from a player who hasn't even completed two full seasons in the majors.

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Why Montgomery deserves serious All-Star consideration

The White Sox have encouraged fans to vote for Montgomery in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, and the historical milestone only strengthens his case. While bigger-market stars often dominate fan voting, Montgomery's production compares favorably with many of the American League's top infielders.

His recent hot streak has only added momentum. Over his last seven games, Montgomery is hitting .304 with four home runs and seven RBI. He homered three times during Chicago's series against the Yankees, including a two-homer performance on June 17. If the White Sox continue to lead the AL Central and Montgomery continues producing at this pace, it will become increasingly difficult for voters and league officials to overlook his candidacy.

History has already taken notice. Now the rest of baseball may be forced to do the same.

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