White Sox Draft Jim Thome’s Son

This year, the White Sox made an interesting acquisition—they selected a first-round draft pick who happens to be a family member.

With the 34th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the team chose Landon Thome, the son of Hall of Fame infielder Jim Thome.

Landon, an 18-year-old shortstop from Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois, is recognized as one of the top high school talents this year.

Interestingly, he was expected to go right around the 34th pick, as noted by MLB Pipeline.

The Thome family has significant connections to the White Sox, with Jim Thome, an Illinois native, playing for the team from 2006 to 2009.

Currently, he serves as a special assistant to the team’s general manager, Chris Getz.

Just like his dad, Landon is a left-handed hitter. Scouts have noted his ability to hit the ball well across the field.

That said, Landon insists he doesn’t see himself as a power hitter like his father, who racked up 612 home runs in his illustrious 22-year career. “I think I’m more of an all-around hitter,” he said recently. “My dad was more of a power hitter.” He recalled his father in high school, noting, “He was kind of like me, tall and lanky.”

“I try to play my own game—modeling it after myself, rather than trying to be like someone else,” Landon added.

In his senior year, he had impressive stats, batting .535 with seven home runs, 29 RBIs, and a remarkable 1.676 OPS, earning the title of 2026 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year.

While he played shortstop in high school, some believe he may transition to second or third base in the pros.

“He enjoys the offense, but when he’s on base, it’s something special to watch,” Jim Thome commented about his son. “He’s all about scoring and making an impactful play on the bases.”