I know Bowden is a clown, but in his recently published Top 50 prospects, he has Braden at #21 overall with the highest hit tool grade I have seen for Braden so far at 55. I thought that was generally supposed to be his weakness with the high K rate as FG has it at 40 and Pipeline at 50, so it was nice to see the 55.
Here is the writeup:
21. Braden Montgomery, OF, Chicago White Sox (Double A)
Age: 22
Bats: B Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 220
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 50 ARM: 65 FLD: 50
Montgomery is a complete player who will contribute with the bat and the glove. In the outfield, Montgomery is a sound defender with a right fielder’s arm. (He was a two-way player early in his college career.) Offensively, he’s going to hit for power and can steal a base, having fully recovered from the broken ankle he suffered during the 2024 NCAA Super Regionals. The switch-hitter has a great work ethic and feel for the game, as well as special leadership qualities. He was one of the headliners along with catcher Kyle Teel in the package the White Sox received for Garrett Crochet in the offseason trade with the Red Sox. He’s on a quick path to the majors and should arrive early next year.
For more, see https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6587372/2025/09/03/top-mlb-prospects-rankings-griffin-wetherholt-mcgonigle/