Star Performers Colson Montgomery, Isaac Collins, Among Other Notable Rookies Excelling in the 2025 MLB Season
The Chicago White Sox have been making waves in Major League Baseball this season, and a significant contributor to their success is rookie infielder Colson Montgomery. Montgomery, who was not highly regarded as a prospect due to his advanced age and unimpressive tools outlay, has been a revelation since his debut on July 4.
Post-All-Star Break Surge in Offensive Production
Montgomery's dramatic improvement stems from overcoming early Triple-A struggles. Since the All-Star break, he has been among the MLB leaders with 21 RBIs (most in MLB), seven home runs (tied for second), a .655 slugging percentage, an OPS of .914, and a wRC+ of 146. This major offensive breakout is a stark contrast to his earlier struggles in Triple-A, where he slashed .149/.223/.255 with 43 strikeouts in 103 plate appearances.
Power Development
Since his first home run on July 22, Montgomery has hit nine home runs in just 17 games, tying for the MLB lead in home runs during that stretch. This power surge includes notable long homers, such as a 452-foot shot, the longest at Rate Field in 2025 and the second-longest at the White Sox stadium this season. Montgomery's emphasis on hitting fastballs has been a key adjustment.
Defensive Adaptation and Versatility
Montgomery has transitioned smoothly to playing third base at the major league level despite having limited experience there before the 2025 season. His fluid, athletic play and practice habits have helped him handle the "hot corner" confidently, which may contribute positively to his overall game and confidence.
Team Context and Role
The White Sox, a young team undergoing a rebuild, have placed strong emphasis on building a core around key prospects like Montgomery. The organization's vision to build strength up the middle, including middle infield positions, aligns with Montgomery's natural shortstop background but willingness to adapt to third base.
Mechanical and Approach Adjustments
The White Sox emphasize hitting fastballs well post-All-Star break, a strategic focus that benefits Montgomery given his power surge and success against certain pitch types. This likely reflects improvements in his approach at the plate.
Isaac Collins' Success Story
On the other side of the field, Isaac Collins, OF for the Milwaukee Brewers, is having a successful rookie season. Collins' keys to success have been his outstanding eye, feel for making good line-drive contact as a low-ball hitter, and glovework that makes it clear he was woefully undersold by the eye test.
Liam Hicks' Mixed Performance
Liam Hicks, C/1B of the Miami Marlins, has a .260/.354/.363 (100 OPS+) batting average in 82 games. Hicks ranks in the 100th percentile in chase rate and in the 88th percentile in contact rate. However, his defense is below average behind the dish, and his bat plays as light when he's cast too far down the defensive spectrum. Despite being traded to the Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft, despite being an undersized catcher reliant on singles and walks, Hicks has been particularly effective against righties, posting a .278/.372/.390 slash line.
Noah Cameron's Impressive Debut
Noah Cameron, LHP for the Kansas City Royals, has taken a permanent spot in the Royals rotation, holding the opposition to one run or fewer in 10 of his 16 appearances since his debut. Prior to his major league debut, Cameron posted a 4.85 ERA in 33 Double-A starts.
Jacob Lopez's Strong Performance
Jacob Lopez, LHP of the Athletics, leads his rotation in ERA+ this season with a 116 ERA+. Lopez's fastball averages 90.7 mph and he generates nearly 30% whiffs on his fastball-slider combination. Lopez's deceptive delivery includes getting down the mound and throwing across his body from a low three-quarters slot, contributing to his current 3.59 ERA and a 3.13 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 18 outings, 14 of which are starts.
[1] Data source: Baseball-Reference
[2] Data source: Fangraphs
[3] Data source: MLB.com
[4] Data source: ESPN
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