Any time a top prospect is being called up, even if it is for a brief point in time, it is an exciting time. Everyone gets a glimpse into the future, and there is the hope that this player will be a key player on the franchise going forward. For fans of the Chicago White Sox, that glimpse into the future will occur on Friday, when Frankie Montas, one of Chicago’s top prospects, is expected to be called up as the 26th man for their doubleheader against the Royals.
Frankie Montas, perhaps the second-biggest arm in baseball behind Aroldis Chapman, is expected to join White Sox for a doubleheader Friday.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 15, 2015
Montas is someone who has tantalized with his velocity, as his fastball routinely sits in the 96 to 100 MPH range. Yet, even with that velocity, Montas has not struck out as many batters as one would expect, with only 62 strikeouts in 73 innings for the Birmingham Barons this season. For someone with that type of velocity, that is a rather disappointing total.
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Montas also has concerns with his control. Overall in his minor league career, Montas has walked 144 batters in 343.2 innings of work, for a 3.8 walks per nine rate. While the Chicago White Sox prospect has improved his control slightly this season, walking 29 batters in his 73 innings, his 3.6 walks per nine innings does not necessarily translate into a starting role at the major league level.
Although Montas has been solid as a starter this season, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.47 ERA and a 1.123 WHiP, it is easy to imagine him as a late inning reliever. Given his high octane fastball and occasional bouts of wildness, Montas could slot well as a setup man or a future closer.
Despite starting all but eight of his 84 career minor league games, it would not be a surprise to see Montas transition into that role as his minor league career continues. Such a role could potentially allow Montas to pick up a couple more miles per hour on the fastball, transforming him someone that could rival Aroldis Chapman for the annual velocity title.
Frankie Montas may not be with the Chicago White Sox for long, but this upcoming promotion could be a nice teaser for what could be an exciting young arm, either in the rotation or in the bullpen.