​At long last, the White Sox have chosen a non-middle infielder, selecting 21-year-old right-hander Joey Volchko to join their 2026 draft class. Volchko initially attended Stanford before transferring to Georgia, where he has emerged as a dominant addition to the Bulldogs’ starting rotation. Currently ranked as the 68th-best prospect by MLB, Volchko represents the second consecutive White Sox pick who has yielded a value far better than slot, highlighting the organization’s ability to uncover intriguing upside early in the draft.
For Georgia fans, Volchko’s impact has been immediate and tangible. He helped lead the Bulldogs to their first College World Series win in 18 years with a standout performance against the University of Texas in the CWS. In that game, he worked through a challenging lineup to deliver a complete-game victory, striking out 15 while allowing just two hits and one walk in a 7-1 win for Georgia.
Volchko’s collegiate journey shows a clear upward trajectory. His ERA stood at 5.89 during his two seasons at Stanford. After transferring to the SEC, he has markedly improved, posting a 3.68 ERA over 95 1/3 innings last season, and recording 11 wins—the third-most among NCAA Division I pitchers. This progression underscores his potential as he continues to refine his repertoire and command at higher levels of competition.
Physically, Volchko stands 6’4″ and brings a power arsenal with several promising offerings. His fastball, which can reach into the mid-90s and even touch 101 mph, is a raw booster for his upside, though he still needs to command it effectively in and around the strike zone. His best secondary pitch is a slider that sits in the mid-to-upper 80s and has shown increased movement and bite in recent years, contributing significantly to his whiff rate. He also features a splitter and a curveball, but his ability to locate those off-speed offerings for strikes remains a work in progress. The prospect is well-built to leverage his height and leverage to generate plane and movement, with the potential to develop into a frontline starter if he can refine his control and sequencing.
In terms of comparison, MLB scouting notes have likened Volchko to a younger Noah Syndergaard, emphasizing his physical tools and upside while acknowledging that tighter command will be essential for long-term success at the highest levels. If Volchko can improve his control and sharpen his ability to mix and locate his pitches against MLB hitters, he could solidify a role as a frontline starter. Conversely, if command remains inconsistent as he progresses through the minor leagues, he could find himself transitioning into a bullpen role rather than sustaining a traditional starting trajectory.
As Volchko embarks on his professional journey with the White Sox, the organization will be keen to see him translate his college success into a repeatable, MLB-ready command profile. With a frame and velocity profile that can carry multiple top-tier offerings, he has the potential to evolve into a high-leverage pitcher capable of affecting games on a daily basis. The 2026 White Sox draft storystream captures all of our draft coverage and analysis, offering deep dives into Volchko’s development, scouting notes, and the implications for the organization’s long-term pitching plans. This piece adds rich context for readers following the White Sox and their 2026 draft strategy, providing a comprehensive look at Volchko’s background, skill set, and the path ahead.