Top-10 Catcher in America, LSU Baseball Signee Makes Decision to Sign With White Sox

Originally posted on LSU Tigers on SI | By Zack Nagy | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 2:45 PM ET

LSU signee Landon Hodge heard his name called in the 2025 MLB Draft with the Chicago White Sox selecting him with pick No. 106.

Hodge, the No. 8 ranked catcher in the 2025 Recruiting Cycle, signed with the LSU Tigers as the No. 109 overall prospect in the class.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder out of California has emerged as one of the top defensive prospects in the country with Jay Johnson and Co. scooping up his services on the recruiting scene.

Then, after being selected in the fourth round, all signs pointed towards Hodge heading to the professional ranks to begin the next phase of his career.

Now, that has been proven true with Hodge signing his professional deal with the Chicago White Sox.

Hodge inked a deal worth $1,097,500 with the organization. The contract is an above-slot deal with pick No. 106's value being at $722,600.

4th-rder Landon Hodge signs w/@WhiteSox for $1,097,500 (slot 106 value = $722,600). California prep C, one of better HS backstops in @MLBDraft, quality lefty bat, athletic for his position. Louisiana State recruit. pic.twitter.com/WcRgeD5pnw
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 22, 2025

What is the White Sox organization getting in Hodge at the next level?

The MLB.com Evaluation: "Strong and athletic, Hodge checks off a box many teams favor when it comes to backstops in that he is a left-handed hitter. It’s a hit-over-power profile, with Hodge using a short swing to spray the ball to all fields. He’ll show solid gap power when he’s locked in, and he’s an average runner who has recorded solid 60-yard dash run times, especially for a catcher.

"Behind the dish, Hodge’s above-average arm is a definite asset and he excels at controlling the running game. The rest of his defensive tools are a work in progress, with evaluators agreeing that his receiving needs work. His athleticism could give teams faith that he’ll improve back there, and that, combined with his feel to hit, could make him an early-round contender, though they’ll have to contend with his commitment to Louisiana State."