White Sox pick son of franchise legend in MLB Draft

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

White Sox pick son of franchise legend in MLB Draft

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 11, 2026 7:19 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox are embracing some family ties with their second MLB Draft selection on Saturday.

The White Sox used the No. 34 overall pick in Saturday’s draft to select infielder Landon Thome. Thome is the son of longtime White Sox slugger Jim Thome and played his high school baseball at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Ill.

The next generation of Thome. pic.twitter.com/aN5w2cTbea
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 11, 2026

Thome has obviously been around the White Sox for virtually his entire life. There are plenty of photos of him around the team while spending time with his father, who is still a special assistant with the organization.

The @whitesox select Landon Thome! pic.twitter.com/Xc50lodi5i
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) July 11, 2026

Landon Thome, 18, has committed to Florida State to play baseball, though he may forego that commitment now. His MLB.com scouting report describes him as “one of the best all-around hitters in the 2026 high school crop,” though he is a pure hitter who does not necessarily rely on just his power.

The elder Thome slugged 612 home runs during his illustrious career and has been elected to the Hall of Fame, though that has not necessarily made him memorable in the eyes of everyone.

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