Drake Baldwin, the Atlanta Braves catcher, has rebounded from a sluggish start to post a compelling .340 batting average with five home runs in just 104 plate appearances. Despite mixed scouting reports, Baldwin's advanced approach at the plate and solid minor league performance suggests he can maintain fantasy relevance. Meanwhile, Marcelo Mayer of the Boston Red Sox has made his MLB debut but is still searching for his footing after a lackluster minor league career. His batting tools lack the expected power, raising concerns about his long-term fantasy value.

The Chicago White Sox have activated Austin Slater from the injured list, with the outfielder returning after recovering from a meniscus tear in his right knee. Slater had surgery on April 15 and made a quick recovery, allowing him to return to the field earlier than expected. He made his presence felt during a rehab assignment, hitting .385 in four games. The team optioned Brooks Baldwin to Triple-A Charlotte to make room for Slater on the roster.

In his early return, Slater hit .250 with one home run across his first eight games this season with the White Sox. Both Slater and manager Will Venable expressed the importance of getting back into the lineup to contribute, especially as the team aims to solidify their outfield depth. Baldwin, who had a hit rate of .215 with three homers and 16 RBIs, will gain additional playing time in the minors as he continues to develop.

Andrew Benintendi is making strides in his recovery from a left calf strain, participating in drills and feeling optimistic about his return. After being placed on the injured list retroactively from May 5, he noted that he felt better than expected, indicating progress in his rehabilitation.

He expressed disappointment in missing games in Cincinnati, his hometown, but remains hopeful for a swift return. His current season stats show a .224 batting average with five home runs and 12 RBIs across 24 games. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox have relied on players like Brooks Baldwin and Josh Rojas to fill in for Benintendi and have seen positive contributions from the depth of their roster.

Colson Montgomery, the promising 6-foot-3 shortstop for the Chicago White Sox, is gearing up for a potential major league debut this season, fueled by General Manager Chris Getz's optimism about his future. Montgomery recognizes the challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of earning his spot in a lineup that desperately needs fresh talent after last year's historic struggles. He is anticipated to be a focal player during the upcoming spring training in Arizona, as the White Sox look to recover from a dismal 41-121 record.

With an opening at shortstop, Montgomery's ascension would be a pivotal moment for a franchise in transition, hoping to leverage its strong farm system. While Montgomery is a top-tier prospect, there's also backup from players like Josh Rojas, who signed a one-year contract, and others in the mix. Montgomery's growth has been marked by lessons learned from previous challenges, particularly in the minors, where he faced a tough year at Triple-A Charlotte.

The Chicago White Sox are gearing up for the 2025 season, eyeing Colson Montgomery as their future shortstop. Despite a sluggish performance in Triple-A with a .214 batting average and a .710 OPS over 130 games, Montgomery's recent success in the Arizona Fall League, where he boasted a .313 average and a 1.167 OPS, has reignited expectations for his big league debut this year. General Manager Chris Getz has indicated that Montgomery will receive ample opportunity during Spring Training, adding that the organization anticipates his contributions during the upcoming season.

Currently, Brooks Baldwin is projected to be the Opening Day shortstop after a modest debut season, while utility player Nick Maton is expected to back him up. However, if Montgomery performs well in Spring Training, he could quickly integrate into the MLB lineup. The White Sox's position players report on February 17, with Opening Day set for March 27.