Southpaw Spring Breakout: White Sox future on display with Schultz, Smith
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If all goes as planned for the White Sox, left-handers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz won’t spend much time following each other to the mound in a single game. Schultz, the No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 16 overall, per MLB Pipeline, and Smith, who is
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If all goes as planned for the White Sox, left-handers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz won’t spend much time following each other to the mound in a single game.
Schultz, the No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 16 overall, per MLB Pipeline, and Smith, who is No. 3 in Chicago's system and No. 34 overall, figure to be the cornerstones of a strong future starting rotation. But they were paired together during a 3-1 loss to the Rockies' prospects as part of Sunday’s Spring Breakout contest at Camelback Ranch, much like they were doing in two Cactus League appearances while in big league camp.
Smith started Sunday, working two hitless innings and striking out one, while Schultz went hitless through the third and fourth with two strikeouts. It was Schultz who took the mound first in those Cactus League contests.
“It’s really cool,” said Smith, who threw 17 of his 30 pitches for strikes. “It’s cool to pitch on the same day as him.”
“We got a good thing going,” said Schultz, who fired 16 of his 22 pitches in the zone. “Next week we have three innings. So we’ll see if we are [again], but it’s fun coming in after him.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
According to Statcast, Smith topped out at 96 mph and recorded four swings and misses. Schultz hit 95.7 mph while incorporating six pitches, generating four swings and misses among his work.
This pairing of the game’s top two left-handed pitching prospects, per Pipeline, might not end in Spring Training, as Schultz, Smith and right-hander Grant Taylor, the White Sox No. 7 prospect who did not pitch Sunday, could be part of the same rotation in Double-A Birmingham to open the 2025 season. It’s their next collective step toward the Majors.
“Today was a good start for us,” Schultz said of the White Sox system as a whole. “It’s just great the bonds we have together on and off the field. It’s a big part in success.”
Meet the Montgomerys
They aren't related despite sharing the same last name, but shortstop Colson Montgomery (MLB's No. 39 overall prospect) and center fielder Braden Montgomery (No. 54 overall) showed off similar top-notch glove work Sunday.
Colson took a hit away from Adael Amador to open the fourth by ranging into the hole between third base and shortstop, then throwing across his body on the jump to make a perfect throw to first baseman Tim Elko. Braden saved a big inning in the fifth by making a diving catch on Bryant Betancourt’s line drive, stranding runners on first and third.
“I actually thought I was kind of late jumping to it,” Colson said of his play. “I had a good angle to the ball and I knew he was a pretty decent runner, so I had to just get it and throw it.
“To be honest, I didn’t see where Tim was, so kind of just threw it over in the general direction. It worked. You practice those all the time, though. I felt good.”
Basepath mass
With two outs in the fifth inning, Elko was hit on the hand by a Jack Mahoney pitch. He took a minute to get to first, as the crowd oohed and ahhed, but then quickly made his way to third on George Wolkow’s single to center.
That’s Elko, at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, and Wolkow at 6-foot-7, 239 pounds. It’s the White Sox version of the jumbo package on the basepaths.
Wolkow flew out to left fielder Sterlin Thompson at the wall to end the third inning, and his single registered a 114.8 mph exit velocity, per Statcast. And remember, he’s only 19 years old.
“Both of them are extremely large males,” said a smiling Colson.
“He’s electric,” added Colson of Wolkow, who he played with for the first time on Sunday. “He’s a very positive, high-energy guy. So it’s kind of cool to be around.”
Bullish on Bergolla
Who is William Bergolla?
For openers, he’s the Minor League infielder acquired from the Phillies in exchange for left-handed reliever Tanner Banks at the 2024 Trade Deadline. He’s also one of the slightly under-the-radar White Sox prospects to watch, according to director of player development Paul Janish.
“I don’t know if this is a total sleeper,” Janish said of Chicago's No. 16 prospect. “But he’s got a really unique defensive ability and skillset in a premium position.”
Bergolla, 20, started at second Sunday, making a slick fielding play and then flipping the ball to first base with his glove to nail Drew Romo. He also doubled, swiped third and scored a run, while showing seemingly effortless cool while applying the tag on stolen-base attempts at second. He’s already one of the better defensive infielders in the system.
Senior Reporter Scott Merkin has covered the White Sox for MLB.com since 2003.
Marauders Fall 1-0 in Series Finale with Mussels
Marauders Fall 1-0 in Series Finale with Mussels Fort Myers, Fla. – Despite a dominant performance on the mound, the Bradenton Marauders dropped the final game of their series in Fort Myers 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at Hammond Stadium. Bradenton starter Jonawel Valdez set the tone early, tossing three scoreless
Marauders Shutout in 8-0 Loss to Mussels
Marauders Shutout in 8-0 Loss to Mussels Fort Myers, Fla. – After a lengthy first inning, the Bradenton Marauders fell to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 8-0 on Saturday night at Hammond Stadium. The Mussels notched five hits, including three doubles, in the first to rally across five runs in
Stellar Pitching Leads Marauders to All-Around 6-1 Win Over Mussels
Stellar Pitching Leads Marauders to All-Around 6-1 Win Over Mussels Fort Myers, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders allowed just two hits in a dominant 6-1 victory over the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels on Friday night at Hammond Stadium. Bradenton carried a no-hitter into the bottom of the eighth, led by
Late-Inning Life Leads Marauders Past Mussels 6-3
Late-Inning Life Leads Marauders Past Mussels 6-3 Fort Myers, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders snapped their four-game losing streak with a 6-3 win over the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels on Thursday night at Hammond Stadium. Pitching led the way through the first half of the game, as both sides didn’t
Despite Gutsy Pitching, Bradenton Falls 1-0 to Fort Myers
Despite Gutsy Pitching, Bradenton Falls 1-0 to Fort Myers Fort Myers, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders fell 1-0 to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in game two of their series at Hammond Stadium on Wednesday. Pitching told the story as both sides combined to allow five hits and just the
Marauders Fall 9-4 in Series Opener with Mussels
Marauders Fall 9-4 in Series Opener with Mussels Fort Myers, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders fell 9-4 to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in their series opener at Hammond Stadium on Tuesday. With no score in the bottom of the first, the Mussels loaded the bases on two walks and
Marauders Drop Series Finale with Cardinals 5-3
Marauders Drop Series Finale with Cardinals 5-3 Bradenton, Fla. – Despite rallying late, the Bradenton Marauders fell 5-3 to the Palm Beach Cardinals on Sunday afternoon at LECOM Park. With the win, Palm Beach secured the series victory, taking four of the week’s six games. With one out and no
Big First Inning Paces Cardinals Past Marauders 11-3
Big First Inning Paces Cardinals Past Marauders 11-3 Bradenton, Fla. – Led by a six-run first inning, the Palm Beach Cardinals powered past the Bradenton Marauders 11-3 on Saturday night at LECOM Park. Leading off the game, the Cardinals placed runners at the corners after Bryce Madron doubled and Christian
Griffin’s Exhilarating Night Highlights Marauders 8-5 Win Over Cardinals
Griffin’s Exhilarating Night Highlights Marauders 8-5 Win Over Cardinals Bradenton, Fla. – Konnor Griffin launched his first professional homer to lead the Bradenton Marauders to an 8-5, comeback victory over the Palm Beach Cardinals Friday night at LECOM Park. Tied at 5-5 entering the bottom of the eighth, Carlos Caro
Big First Inning Leads Cardinals Past Marauders 18-6
Big First Inning Leads Cardinals Past Marauders 18-6 Bradenton, Fla. – Paced by a nine-run first inning, the Palm Beach Cardinals powered past the Bradenton Marauders 18-6 on Thursday night at LECOM Park. With no score in the top of the first, the Cardinals loaded the bases on two singles
Late-Inning Life Surges Marauders Past Cardinals
Late-Inning Life Surges Marauders Past Cardinals Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders notched a season-high 14 hits and scored nine unanswered runs in their 12-6 win over the Palm Beach Cardinals Wednesday afternoon at LECOM Park. Their hit total matched their season high from 2024 (7/3 vs Fort Myers) and
Marauders Quick Start Halted in 9-4 Loss to Cardinals
Marauders Quick Start Halted in 9-4 Loss to Cardinals Bradenton, Fla. – Despite notching a season-high 13 hits, the Bradenton Marauders dropped their home opener versus the Palm Beach Cardinals 9-4 on Tuesday night at LECOM Park. Leading off the bottom of the first with no score, Konnor Griffin singled
Marauders Shutout 7-0 in Series Finale Versus Tortugas
Marauders Shutout 7-0 in Series Finale Versus Tortugas DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders dropped the rubber match of their three-game series with the Daytona Tortugas 7-0 on Sunday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Jhonny Severino notched three of the Marauders four hits on the night. Camden Janik also
Early Offense Not Enough for Marauders in 7-3 loss to Tortugas
Early Offense Not Enough for Marauders in 7-3 loss to Tortugas DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Despite an early 3-0 lead, a four-run fifth lifted the Daytona Tortugas past the Bradenton Marauders 7-3 on Saturday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. With no score in the top of the second, Axiel Plaz
All-Around Effort Surges Bradenton Past Daytona in 6-2 Opening Day Victory
All-Around Effort Surges Bradenton Past Daytona in 6-2 Opening Day Victory DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Early offense and stout pitching paced the Bradenton Marauders to a 6-2 Opening Day win over the Daytona Tortugas on Friday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. In his professional debut, 2024 first-round pick Konnor Griffin
Bradenton Marauders Announce Preliminary 2025 Roster
Bradenton Marauders Announce Preliminary 2025 Roster BRADENTON, Fla. (April 2, 2025) – In conjunction with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Bradenton Marauders have announced their preliminary 2025 roster. The roster features 26 players returning from last year’s club and eight from the 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates draft class. Moreover, six members of
Marauders Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
BRADENTON, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders announced their managerial and coaching assignments for the upcoming 2025 season. Jim Horner returns to the Marauders in 2025 for his second season as manager of the club, and sixth year in the Pirates organization. Horner’s résumé is as decorated and diverse as they
Marauders Announce 2025 Season Schedule
BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Marauders, Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, have announced their schedule for the 2025 Florida State League season. The season will consist of 132 games, including 66 home games and 66 road games. Each Monday will be a league-wide off day. Note that all dates
Marauders Walked-Off for Second-Straight Night in Season-Finale
DAYTONA BEACH, FL —In their season-finale at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the Daytona Tortugas walked-off the Bradenton Marauders 2-1 on Sunday night. After a weather delay of about an hour and a half, the Marauders and Tortugas took the field. In his final start of the season, Zander Mueth walked three
Marauders-Tortugas Split Doubleheader on Saturday Night
DAYTONA BEACH, FL —After the Bradenton Marauders outlasted the Daytona Tortugas 10-5 in the continuation of a suspended game, the Tortugas walked-off the Marauders 5-4 in seven-innings on Saturday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Both sides resumed a suspended seven-inning game from Friday night with the Marauders ahead 6-2 in
Valdez Ties Franchise Record as Game Halted Due to Weather
DAYTONA BEACH, FL —Game one of a doubleheader on Friday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark between the Bradenton Marauders and Daytona Tortugas was suspended in the bottom of the fourth with the Marauders ahead 6-2. After an hour and 43-minute rain delay, the Marauders took the early lead in the
Thursday Night’s Contest Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Thursday night’s regularly scheduled contest at Jackie Robinson Ballpark between the Bradenton Marauders and Daytona Tortugas has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday, September 6, featuring two seven-inning games beginning at 5:00 pm.
All Hail to the King: Valdez Mashes Two Longballs to Become FSL Home Run Leader
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Esmerlyn Valdez and Jhonny Severio combined to club four home runs for the Bradenton Marauders as they down the Daytona Tortugas 8-6 on Wednesday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Bradenton led from start to finish and opened up the game’s scoring in the first. Keiner Delgado
Seven Hits Not Enough in 7-2 Loss on Monday
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — In their first meeting since April 21, the Bradenton Marauders dropped their series opener 7-2 to the Daytona Tortugas on Monday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Tortugas struck first beginning in the second inning against Zander Mueth (1-3). The right-hander hit a batter and walked
On to Daytona: Marauders Downed 18-4 in Home Finale
BRADENTON, FL — The Bradenton Marauders closed out their 2024 home schedule with an 18-4 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Tarpons on Sunday afternoon at LECOM Park. Bradenton plated two runs in the opening inning against Andrew Landry. Will Taylor singled and stole second before Landry retired the