The Chicago White Sox have drafted Landon Thome, son of MLB Hall of Famer Jim Thome, with the 34th overall selection in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. The selection marks a familial connection for the White Sox, as Jim Thome played for the team from 2006 to 2009 and currently serves as a special assistant to general manager Chris Getz.
Landon Thome, an 18-year-old shortstop from Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois, was considered one of the top high school talents available in this year's draft, ranked 34th overall by MLB Pipeline. He is a left-handed hitter, a trait he shares with his father, and has shown an ability to hit to all fields, according to scouts.
While his father was known for his prodigious power, hitting 612 home runs in his 22-year career, Landon described himself as more of a pure hitter. "I’m more of a different hitter than my dad, just kind of more of a pure hitter, while my dad is more kind of that power guy," Landon told MLB.com. He added that he models his game after himself rather than trying to emulate others.
During his senior season, Thome batted .535 with seven home runs, 29 RBIs, and a 1.676 OPS, earning him the 2026 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year award. Scouts project that he will transition to either second or third base at the professional level, despite playing shortstop in high school. Jim Thome noted his son's speed and aggressive base-running, stating, "He wants to score, wants to change the game on the bases with a very aggressive impact."