Intriguing: White Sox Shake Up Roster and Staff As Top Prospect Braden Montgomery Shines In AFL Return
As the World Series approaches and the offseason nears, the White Sox continue to make roster and staff adjustments throughout the organization. Recent updates include player departures, staff reshuffling, and progress reports from the Arizona Fall League — highlighted by the return of top prospect Braden Montgomery.
Among the notable moves, outfielders Dominic Fletcher and Corey Julks have opted for free agency after splitting time between Triple-A Charlotte and the major league roster in 2025. Both served as reliable depth options but are now seeking new opportunities with other teams.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) October 13, 2025
Veteran pitcher Mike Clevinger has entered free agency after an injury-plagued and uneven season, joined by right-handers Elvis Peguero and Owen White, who also chose to test the market. Shortstop Jacob Amaya and outfielder Joshua Palacios are departing as well, while outfielder Will Robertson was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates. These moves mark the beginning of a broader offseason assessment of the team’s depth and fringe roster players.
In addition, the White Sox strengthened their pitching development staff by hiring JC Sanner, who previously served as pitching coach at the College of Central Florida and as director of player development at Davidson in 2023.
Very humbled to accept a coaching position with the @whitesox. I want to thank @GoCFBaseball for giving me the opportunity to be apart of such an elite program and grow as a coach. There's NO better JUCO in country. #PatLand is a very special place and I will be forever grateful https://t.co/AjoyFvVsZA
— JC Sanner (@jc_sanner) October 17, 2025
Before joining the White Sox, JC Sanner held player development positions with the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies and earned recognition as the 2023 Assistant Coach of the Year in the Valley Baseball League. A Mississippi native, Sanner won two state championships at Oak Grove High School and pitched at Pearl River Community College, Northwestern State, and William Carey University, where he completed his degree.
Sanner is expected to join Brian Bannister’s pitching development team, likely working at the organization’s Arizona complex. His addition supports the ongoing rebuild of the White Sox minor league coaching staff, and with Kannapolis losing its pitching coach this offseason, internal promotions could create an important developmental role for him at the lower levels.
In Arizona Fall League action, several White Sox prospects continued to make progress. Outfielder Caden Connor stood out for the Glendale Desert Dogs, hitting .375 with a .939 OPS across 10 games, collecting seven RBIs, 12 walks, only three strikeouts, and five stolen bases, capped by a three-hit performance on October 17.
On Tuesday, Sam Antonacci (@WVBlackBears '22) blasted his 2nd HR of the @MLBazFallLeague, also reaching base 6️⃣ times in the doubleheader.🏜️🐕
4️⃣2️⃣1️⃣ ft 📏
1️⃣0️⃣2️⃣.5️⃣ mph EV 🚀The @WhiteSox 5th-round pick in 2024 went 3-for-5 on the day with four runs scored, an RBI, three… pic.twitter.com/g9fbptIETA
— MLB Draft League (@mlbdraftleague) October 22, 2025
Second baseman Sam Antonacci has been a consistent performer in the Arizona Fall League, showcasing emerging power with two home runs, eight RBIs, and a .909 OPS, along with eight walks.
Meanwhile, first baseman Ryan Galanie has had a slower start offensively but continues to contribute defensively, holding a .333 on-base percentage as he looks to find his rhythm at the plate.
On the mound, left-hander Hagen Smith has impressed by throwing six scoreless innings, striking out nine, maintaining a 1.33 WHIP, and demonstrating improved control of his fastball and slider.
The @MLBazFallLeague seems to agree with Hagen Smith!
The @whitesox 2024 first-rounder preserves his spotless Fall League ERA, fanning five over three scoreless frames. pic.twitter.com/ix1wBdPsXW
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 17, 2025
Pitcher Tyler Davis delivered an impressive outing for Glendale, striking out the side in the ninth inning on October 15 and totaling five strikeouts over two innings while giving up only one extra-base hit. Carson Jacobs added two strikeouts in his latest appearance, allowing one run in two-thirds of an inning.
Following Hagen Smith’s start, Connor McCullough struggled during the fifth inning but was efficient in his remaining two frames. Meanwhile, Jarold Rosado rebounded from a tough debut with two consecutive scoreless outings, including a clean, one-strikeout inning on October 15 that helped secure a 6–3 victory.
Braden Montgomery @whitesox with his first @MLBazFallLeague at-bat and cruses a hard double to center. #ProspectOne #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/6zMY0bczMF
— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) October 21, 2025
After returning from a right foot fracture, Braden Montgomery made his long-awaited Arizona Fall League debut on October 21. He wasted no time making an impact, ripping a 110.2 mph double off the wall to drive in Sam Antonacci in his first at-bat.
Montgomery finished the game 1-for-1 with three walks and sat out the second game of the doubleheader, but his performance suggests he’s healthy and poised for a strong finish to the fall season.
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