CHICAGO — For years, the White Sox infield was a revolving door of aging veterans and “wait-and-see” prospects. In 2026, that door has been slammed shut by Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery. The duo has emerged as the heartbeat of a “New White Sox Identity” characterized by high-IQ baserunning, disciplined plate appearances, and elite defensive range.
Vargas, acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Eloy Jiménez to the Dodgers, has found a new lease on life in Chicago. Currently sporting a .225 average with a robust .347 OBP, he has become the ultimate “table-setter.” His ability to work deep counts has become a nightmare for opposing pitchers, often wearing them down just in time for the middle of the order to strike.
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Complementing him is Colson Montgomery, the 24-year-old shortstop who is finally living up to the “Big Smooth” nickname. Montgomery’s weekend in Kansas City has been a revelation; his RBI double on Friday night was a masterclass in hitting the ball where it’s pitched. Despite a low batting average, his .828 OPS tells the true story of a player who delivers in high-leverage moments.
The “Identity” shift is most visible in the field. The Sox rank in the top five in the American League for Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), a feat largely attributable to the range of Vargas at third and Montgomery at short. They aren’t just making the routine plays; they are turning hits into outs.
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“They play for each other,” says hitting coach Marcus Thames. “You see them talking in the dugout after every at-bat, sharing what they see from the pitcher. Miguel brings that veteran-like discipline, and Colson brings that raw, athletic ceiling. Together, they are the foundation of what we’re building here.”
As the Sox continue their trek through the AL Central, the Vargas-Montgomery duo serves as a reminder that the future isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s playing winning baseball on the South Side.