​The Thome legacy continues on the South Side as Chicago used its newly acquired 34th overall pick to select infielder Landon Thome, the son of White Sox legend and Hall of Famer Jim Thome. In a Friday evening trade, GM Chris Getz sent infielder Jacob Gonzalez and right-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for the 34th pick, giving the White Sox an extra selection. It appeared the team believed Thome might not be around by their second-round choice (No. 41), and that calculation paid off.
Landon Thome is 18 years old and comes from Nazareth Academy, about 18 miles from downtown Chicago. He is rated as the top shortstop in Illinois and the 19th-best prospect in the nation, according to Prep Baseball. Although the White Sox recently drafted shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the first overall pick, Thome’s versatility across the infield—capable of playing second and third base—gives him a path to multiple positions while still contributing a left-handed power bat in the lineup. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have a Hall of Fame father as a mentor who can guide Landon’s approach at the plate.
Thome’s prowess was evident not only in the power he showed during his senior season with the Nazareth Roadrunners, but also in his remarkable on-base ability, posting a .630 on-base percentage. He drew 30 walks against just 12 strikeouts, a mark that echoes the hitting discipline Expectation set by his father, who carried a solid walk rate (16.9%) and a relatively modest strikeout rate throughout his own career. Landon finished with a .533 batting average, a staggering 1.676 OPS, eight home runs, 35 RBIs, and 49 stolen bases, underscoring his speed and his capacity to disrupt opponents on the bases.
Beyond the numbers, Thome’s commitment to improving his game and his high standards both on and off the field stand out. The Thome family has long been a positive presence within the White Sox family, and Landon’s decision to join the organization while following in his father’s footsteps is a compelling storyline in the making. Jim Thome’s influence is visible not only in the baseball lineage but in the mentorship and guidance that Landon absorbs as he progresses through his development.
As we discussed with Andrea Thome, Landon’s mother, earlier this year, the family’s praise for his work ethic and attitude was resounding. Andrea spoke highly of Landon’s dedication to both his sport and his academics, noting that, thanks to the example set by his head coach and mentor, Lee Milano, service to others has become a central tenet of who he is. The Thome family is proud to support Landon on his path, and the White Sox clubhouse appears to be a welcoming environment where his potential can flourish.
With the positive energy already circulating within the White Sox organization, Landon Thome looks poised to be a meaningful addition to the team’s long-term plans. His combination of infield versatility, left-handed pop, and elite baserunning ability, coupled with the guidance of a Hall of Fame father, positions him as a compelling future contributor. As the organization plots its next steps, Thome embodies a storyline that fans hope will unfold with sustained growth and impact in the years ahead. This development adds another layer to the White Sox’s ongoing youth movement and the broader narrative of a family legacy continuing on the South Side.