The Chicago White Sox selected Landon Thome, son of Hall of Fame first baseman Jim Thome, with the 34th overall pick [1] on Saturday [2].

The selection marks a significant moment for the franchise as it integrates a player with deep ties to baseball history and local connections. By drafting Thome, the team is betting on a prospect who carries a legacy of elite power hitting and professional pedigree.

Thome was chosen during the 2026 MLB Draft [3] on July 11, 2026 [2]. The pick represents the team's strategy to acquire talent that blends raw skill with a high baseball IQ, a trait often associated with the Thome family lineage.

Jim Thome, a legendary figure in the sport, is known for his tenure as one of the most prolific home run hitters in the history of the game. The selection of his son by the White Sox brings a narrative of familial legacy back to the professional level in Chicago.

Team officials said that the decision was based on Thome's individual talent and his potential to contribute to the organization's long-term goals [4]. The 34th overall selection [1] places him among the top prospects of the 2026 class, signaling that the team views him as a high-ceiling asset.

As Landon Thome enters the professional ranks, the focus shifts to his development within the White Sox farm system. The organization will look to see if he can translate the power and discipline exhibited by his father into a successful Major League career.

“The Chicago White Sox selected Landon Thome, son of Hall of Fame first baseman Jim Thome”

The selection of Landon Thome is both a talent acquisition and a strategic move to leverage a high-profile baseball pedigree. By drafting a son of a Hall of Famer, the White Sox are acquiring a player who has likely had access to professional-grade mentorship from a young age, potentially shortening his learning curve in the minor leagues.