​Landon Thome, the Florida State University baseball commit, has been selected by the Chicago White Sox with the 34th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. He stood out as one of FSU’s top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, ranking just behind pitcher Kaden Waetcher. Thome initially committed to the Tennessee Volunteers, but a coaching change led to a successful flip by Link Jarrett and the Seminoles, bringing the son of Hall of Fame slugger Jim Thome into the FSU fold. Jim Thome played for the White Sox from 2006 to 2009, adding an extra layer of intrigue and hometown pride to his son’s selection.
The younger Thome just capped an outstanding senior season at Nazareth Academy, establishing himself as one of the premier pure hitters in high school baseball. He closed the year with a .533 batting average, complemented by eight home runs, nine triples, 63 runs scored, 35 runs batted in, 16 doubles, and an eye-popping 1.676 OPS. In addition to his hitting prowess, Thome swiped 49 bases in 50 attempts, a testament to his speed and aggressiveness on the bases. His performance earned him spots on three All-American teams and cemented his reputation as one of the top prospects in the 2026 MLB Draft.
MLB.com projects Thome as the No. 34 overall player and the No. 7 shortstop available in the 2026 draft, underscoring the high expectations surrounding his potential at the next level. While the formal sign-with-the-team step remains, it’s relatively uncommon for a player selected this high to opt not to sign with the club that drafted him, suggesting a strong likelihood that Thome will ink with Chicago if the opportunity presents itself.
If Thome makes his way to Tallahassee, he could be a rapid-impact contributor for the Seminoles. FSU has been seeking to add more left-handed batters to balance its lineup, and Thome’s left-handed hitting profile could fit that need seamlessly. Additionally, he offers versatility in the infield, with second base listed as another position where he can contribute in addition to his primary role as a shortstop.
For Florida State fans and followers of college baseball, the Landon Thome development will be worth tracking closely. His combination of advanced hitting ability, speed on the basepaths, and the potential for immediate involvement in the Seminoles’ lineup makes him a promising asset as FSU looks to strengthen its offensive balance and depth in the 2026 season. The expectation is that, should he enroll and progress through the required steps to join the college ranks, Thome could bring immediate value at the top of the order or in a run-producing role, while also offering defensive flexibility in the infield.
Stay connected with FSU news and updates by following @FSUWire on X and by liking the FSU Wire page on Facebook for ongoing coverage, notes, and opinions on Florida State athletics. This report summarizes the latest developments surrounding Landon Thome’s draft selection and the potential impact on the Seminoles’ roster. This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: White Sox select FSU commit Landon Thome in 2026 MLB Draft.