White Sox Sign Landon Thome, Son of South Side Legend
The Chicago White Sox have officially signed Landon Thome, the son of National Baseball Hall of Famer and South Side icon Jim Thome, bringing a legendary family name back to 35th and Shields. Drafted in the 19th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of local Nazareth Academy, Landon bypassed a highly regarded collegiate commitment to begin his professional journey with his father’s former club. For Chicago baseball fans looking for a bright spot during a challenging season, this signing offers a compelling blend of nostalgia, local pride, and future promise.
A Legacy Reunited on the South Side
To understand the excitement surrounding this signing, one only has to look back at the impact Jim Thome had during his tenure with the White Sox. Playing on the South Side from 2006 to 2009, the elder Thome blasted 134 home runs in a Chicago uniform, including his historic 500th career home run on September 16, 2007, which was commemorated with a dramatic walk-off blast at Guaranteed Rate Field. Jim Thome was not just a power hitter; he was a beloved clubhouse leader whose blue-collar work ethic perfectly matched the spirit of Chicago’s South Side. By signing Landon, the White Sox are not merely executing a legacy move; they are welcoming back a family that understands the unique passion of this fan base.
From Nazareth Academy to Guaranteed Rate Field
Unlike many draft picks who must adjust to an entirely new region, Landon Thome is already deeply rooted in the Chicago sports landscape. He played his high school ball at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, a powerhouse program in the Chicago suburbs. During his time with the Roadrunners, Landon developed into a highly-touted infielder, showcasing a smooth left-handed swing that naturally draws comparisons to his father’s legendary plate presence. He had previously committed to play Division I college baseball for the powerhouse Arkansas Razorbacks, but the opportunity to sign with the hometown White Sox and kickstart his professional career in his own backyard proved too strong to pass up.
What Landon Thome Brings to the Chicago Rebuild
The White Sox are currently undergoing a massive organizational rebuild, focusing heavily on acquiring and developing young talent with high athletic upside. Landon Thome fits this blueprint as a projectable, athletic infielder who offers more than just a famous last name. While his father was a towering third baseman who transitioned into a legendary first baseman and designated hitter, Landon plays shortstop and second base, offering a different defensive profile. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 175 pounds, Landon has plenty of room to fill out his frame, which scouts believe will eventually translate into significant left-handed raw power as he matures physically.
Draft Pedigree and Development Strategy
Selecting a player in the 19th round often means facing signability challenges, especially when that player has a commitment to an elite SEC program. The White Sox front office prioritized securing Landon’s signature during their home series against the Toronto Blue Jays, signaling their belief in his long-term developmental path. The organization plans to ease him into professional baseball, focusing on fundamental infield work, plate discipline, and physical conditioning. He will join a growing wave of young prospects in the lower levels of the minor league system, where he can focus on building a distinct identity separate from his father’s massive shadow.
Comparing the Generations: Jim vs. Landon Thome
While Landon carries the Thome name and a similar sweet swing from the left side, his physical profile and defensive versatility differentiate him from his Hall of Fame father. Below is a comparison of their entry-point profiles into professional baseball.
| Feature | Jim Thome (Drafted 1989) | Landon Thome (Drafted 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Position | Third Base / First Base | Shortstop / Second Base |
| Batting Side | Left-handed | Left-handed |
| Draft Source | Illinois Central College | Nazareth Academy (La Grange Park, IL) |
| Draft Round | 13th Round | 19th Round |
What to Watch Next in the Minor Leagues
For Chicago baseball purists, the journey of Landon Thome will be one of the most intriguing storylines to monitor over the next several seasons. His professional career will officially begin at the minor league complex level, likely with the Arizona Complex League (ACL) White Sox, where he will adjust to the daily grind of professional pitching. Local fans should keep an eye on his progression toward the Low-A affiliate Kannapolis, with the ultimate hope that he eventually climbs the ladder to the High-A Winston-Salem Dash and Double-A Birmingham Barons. Tracking his walk rates, defensive versatility across the middle infield, and physical progression will be key indicators of his fast-track potential to the big leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Landon Thome?
Landon Thome is an infielder drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2024 and the son of Hall of Fame slugger and former White Sox player Jim Thome. - Where did Landon Thome play high school baseball?
Landon played locally at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois, where he helped lead the team to prominent state-level success. - What college was Landon Thome committed to before signing?
He was committed to play college baseball for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks before choosing to sign with the White Sox. - What position does Landon Thome play?
Landon is a shortstop and second baseman, offering a more middle-infield defensive profile compared to his father, who played corner infield positions.
As the Chicago White Sox build toward the future, following the development of local products like Landon Thome offers fans a tangible way to stay connected to the team’s next generation of talent. Keep an eye on minor league box scores this summer to watch his professional journey unfold from the ground up.
White Sox Sign Landon Thome Son Of Jim Thome
