Paul Janish described the first few months of his time as Chicago White Sox director of player development as a busy and thrilling period.
The former professional infielder assumed the position in November after working at Rice University's baseball staff since August 2017, including the last two seasons as the associate head coach.
He's immersing himself in his responsibilities with the Sox.
"I'm happy to finally be on site (in Arizona) with a group of people in the same room because until now, it has been a lot of virtual activities," Janish said during a video conference last week. "With spring training almost here, I'm eager to get started and become more familiar with everyone."
Janish gave updates on the top three prospects in the organization, according to MLB.com — shortstop Colson Montgomery, pitcher Noah Schultz and catcher Edgar Quero — as spring training approaches.
No. 1 prospect: Colson Montgomery
The team’s first-round pick in 2021 spent time at three levels — the Arizona Complex League White Sox, Class A Winston-Salem, and Double-A Birmingham — after a midback strain delayed his start to the 2023 season.
The 21-year-old batted .287/.456/.484 with 14 doubles, eight home runs, and 37 RBIs in 64 games. He also hit three home runs and had 20 RBIs in 20 games during the Arizona Fall League and was the MVP of the Fall Stars Game.
"Colson has a bright future, there's no doubt about it," Janish said. "As for where he will start the season, that is yet to be determined. Ultimately, the aim is for him to become a strong major-league player, and I believe that will happen."
When it comes to Montgomery's timeline to the majors, Janish said it's difficult to predict.
"He's going to carve out his own path through his performance, and there will be decisions to be made based on evaluating when he's ready to be called up to stay," Janish said. "Because with this type of player, you really want him to reach the major leagues at a time when he's prepared to contribute and stay there permanently.
"So some of these things are yet to be determined. What I do know is he's a really good kid, and he's excited about coming to the major-league camp."
No. 2 prospect: Noah Schultz
The Sox picked the left-hander with the No. 26 pick in the 2022 draft. Schultz, 20, went 1-2 with a 1.33 ERA in 10 starts for Class A Kannapolis last year after dealing with a forearm strain. He went on the injured list in late August with shoulder impingement.
"First of all, he's enormous," Janish said with a chuckle about the 6-foot-9 Schultz. "I had the chance to meet him here recently in Arizona, and from a health standpoint, I believe he's in a good place heading into the season.
"There's a strength aspect that will continue to develop over time, which will help him be more consistent. We're really excited. He has all the talent in the world, and it will come down to being very intentional with his development program and ensuring that as he progresses, we're not pushing him too hard before he's ready for it."
Schultz, who attended Oswego East High School, had 38 strikeouts in 27 innings in 2023 for the Cannon Ballers.
“(Noah is) a very good kid, very talented, and he really wants to excel,” Janish stated.
No. 3 prospect: Edgar Quero
The Sox obtained the switch-hitting catcher along with pitcher Ky Bush — ranked as the team’s No. 9 prospect — in the July 26 trade that sent pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López to the Los Angeles Angels.
Quero, 20, batted .277/.366/.393 with four doubles, three home runs and 22 RBIs in 31 games with Birmingham after the trade.
Janish mentioned that Quero approaches his work “with a purpose.”
“The work ethic is ingrained in him,” Janish said, “and he’s currently establishing a daily routine to maintain throughout the season, something we can all understand.
“That position demands a lot both mentally and physically. Ultimately, he really needs to play. He’s in a very good position for his age, and his ability will afford him the opportunity to play in the major leagues.
“We just want him to reach a point where he’s prepared to be consistently successful at that level, which, particularly in that position, we all know will be demanding.”
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