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.
Hooks Announce High School Baseball Schedule at Whataburger Field
CORPUS CHRISTI – Tickets are on sale for high school baseball at Whataburger Field. Presented by Corpus Christi Medical Center, the 2025 slate is comprised of 23 games in March and features programs from 27 Coastal Bend high schools. Call 361-561-HOOK (4665) for more information. Sat, Mar 1 BSN Baseball
Hooks Host Javelinas in Spring Training Exhibition Game
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas are set to meet in a Wednesday, April 2 friendly at Whataburger Field. The spring training exhibition game begins at 6:35 PM, with ballpark gates opening at 5:35. Tickets are on sale now at cchooks.com.
Hooks Reveal 2025 Promos
CORPUS CHRISTI – With the 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank, less than two months away, your new-look Corpus Christi Hooks present a promotional calendar packed with two dozen giveaways and 14 fireworks displays. The CITGO Jersey Series celebrates Hooks history on special Saturdays in 2025 with the following
Hooks Single Game Tickets On-Sale Now!
CORPUS CHRISTI – Single game tickets are on sale now for the Hooks 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank. Visit cchooks.com or call 361-561-HOOK (4665) to purchase. Corpus Christi will play 69 games over 11 homestands from April through September, hosting Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25) and Independence Day
Nominations Underway for Reliant All-Star Educators Program
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – For a fourth consecutive year, the Corpus Christi Hooks and Reliant have teamed up to empower outstanding local public-school teachers in the Coastal Bend. As part of the Reliant All-Star Educators program, 10 teachers will each receive a $1,600 grant for classroom supplies. “I’d like to
New-Look Hooks Ready to Play Ball
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are rolling out new logos and uniforms in tribute to the bond between a ballclub and its city. The rebrand, including eight custom marks, was commissioned to usher in the Hooks 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American
Ricky Rivera to Lead Hooks in 2025
CORPUS CHRISTI – Manager Ricky Rivera, pitching coach Alex Harter, hitting coach Bobby Bell, development coach Jeff Calhoon, athletic trainer Jennifer Bardales, strength coach Kevin Rivera, and dietician Kara Beitler comprise Corpus Christi’s 2025 field staff, the Houston Astros announced today. Rivera, the 10th manager in 20 seasons of Hooks
Hooks Announce 2025 Daily Promotions
CORPUS CHRISTI – In anticipation of the full promotional calendar release, the Corpus Christi Hooks, Double-A Affiliate of the Houston Astros, are rolling out daily promotions for the upcoming 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank. Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, February 21. Tuesdays: Start the homestand with the
UCLA, Michigan State, Washington State & Islanders This Weekend at Whataburger Field
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2025 Kleberg Bank College Classic, set for February 21-23 at Whataburger Field, features UCLA, Washington State, Michigan State and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Fans will be treated to a fireworks display following the Bruins-Islanders 4 PM matchup on Friday. Click Here for weekend passes and single-day
Islanders, Jayhawks, Fighting Illini, Wildcats This Weekend at Whataburger Field!
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2025 college slate at Whataburger Field features Kansas, Illinois, Abilene Christian, Michigan State, Washington State, UCLA and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Visit cchooks.com or call 361-561-HOOK (4665) for tickets. The action begins Friday, February 14 with the first of three consecutive doubleheaders. Illinois and ACU, both making
Hooks Delivering on Valentine's Day
Roses are red, violets are blue, and the Hooks have Valentine's Day covered for YOU! Sammy the Seagull and our Hooks staffers are at the ready to deliver a smile to your special someone. Space is limited. Delivery times are available on a first-come, first-served, basis. Orders cannot be accepted
Islanders and Javelinas Represented at South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet
CORPUS CHRISTI – Monee Montilla and Isaac Webb of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Lindsey Evans and Vincent Sanchez will be honored Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center in recognition of their outstanding 2024 seasons. The South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by Whataburger, is headlined by
Calallen’s Chase Lynch Earns 2025 Matt Beveridge Award
CORPUS CHRISTI – Chase Lynch of Calallen High School is the 17th recipient of the Matt Beveridge Award, given annually to a high school baseball senior student-athlete who exemplifies character, courage, leadership, and spirit. In addition to being recognized Thursday, January 23 at the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, Lynch
Hooks Host 20th Season Block Party Presented by American Bank on January 31
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 20th season of Hooks Baseball in the Coastal Bend is leading off with a bang! The Corpus Christi Hooks are hosting a free Block Party presented by American Bank at Whataburger Field on Friday, January 31 to launch the 20th campaign of Hooks Baseball. “American Bank
Esquivel, Lopez & Chapman Win Baseball Coaches Awards
CORPUS CHRISTI –Falfurrias’ Gus Esquivel and Joe Luis Lopez and Steve Chapman of Calallen will be recognized as the 2024 South Texas Baseball Coaches of the Year on Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. The South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by Whataburger, is headlined by former Hooks
Lentz & Salinas Win South Texas Softball Coach of the Year Honors
CORPUS CHRISTI – Calallen’s Teresa Lentz and Paula Salinas of Veterans Memorial will be honored as the 2024 South Texas Softball Coaches of Year next Thursday, January 23, at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom. Hooks legend and two-time World Series champ Hunter Pence is headlining the South Texas
Banda Tabbed Top South Texas Pro
CORPUS CHRISTI – Former Sinton High School star Anthony Banda is the 2024 Mike Adams South Texas Professional Player of the Year. The World Series champion will be honored at the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, set for January 23 at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom. Hooks legend
Calallen Leads Large School Baseball Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Calallen Wildcats, eyeing a return trip to the 4A state title game, placed the maximum of four representatives on the large school baseball division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team. The honor squad, as voted on by head coaches from 19 area 4A-5A schools,
Hooks Host Job Fair January 14th & 16th
CORPUS CHRISTI – Here’s your chance to work at the ballpark! The Corpus Christi Hooks are conducting a job fair at Whataburger Field on Tuesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 16. Both sessions run 3 to 7 PM and will take place inside the ballpark’s CITGO Cotton Club. Attendees are
London Pirates Pack Small School Baseball All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Private-3A Baseball Division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team, comprised of 15 student athletes from 24 Coastal Bend high schools, will be recognized January 23 at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom as part of the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by
Hooks Announce Big School Softball South Texas Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – Repeat selections Brooke Castillo (Alice), Audrey Diercks (Gregory-Portland), Brookelynn Meador (Calallen), Jordyn Thibodeaux (Calallen), Jada Zepeda (Veterans Memorial), and three-time honoree Demiree Stafford (Tuloso-Midway) lead the large school softball division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team, as voted on by head coaches from 19 Class
SGA & IWA Pace Small School Softball Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – Three-time honoree Izzy De Los Santos of Sana Gertrudis Academy, along with back-to-back selections Kadence Trevino from Hebbronville and Woodsboro’s Sidney Castillo, headline the Private-3A Division of this year’s South Texas Preseason All-Star Softball Team, as voted on by head coaches from 24 Coastal Bend high schools.
Ken Schrom to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
CORPUS CHRISTI – Former Hooks President and American League All-Star pitcher Ken Schrom will be presented with the 2025 South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. Schrom, 70, has dedicated 43 years of service to professional baseball, including a seven-year
Hunter Pence Returns for South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet
CORPUS CHRISTI – Hooks legend and two-time World Series champion Hunter Pence headlines the 19th South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, set for Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. Hosted inside the Henry Garrett Ballroom, the event is presented by Whataburger and honors Coastal Bend baseball and softball standouts
Hooks Drop 2024 Finale
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - A couple of ninth-inning solo home runs secured Midland's 5-2 victory over the Hooks Saturday afternoon before 3,045 fans at Whataburger Field. After surrendering two first-inning markers, Joey Mancini recorded nine straight outs, with three coming via strikeouts. Meanwhile, Colin Barber leveled the game at