The White Sox close the deal with 20 of their 21 draft picks

The Chicago White Sox have taken a major step in bolstering their roster by signing 20 of their 21 selections in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft. This exciting announcement includes the signing of their first selection, Hagen Smith, a promising left-handed pitcher who has caught the attention of pundits and fans alike.

Hagen Smith: The New Gem in the White Sox Talent Pool

At age 20, the talented left-hander had an outstanding season at the University of Arkansas, where he led the team in several categories with a 9-2 record and an impressive 2.04 ERA. His ability to dominate on the mound, with a .144 opponent batting average and 161 strikeouts in 16 starts, certainly positions him as a future star in the Major Leagues.

Blake Larson: A Rising Talent

Another notable on the list is Blake Larson, a left-handed pitcher who was selected 68th overall in the draft. Originally from Iowa and known for his standout performance in the 2018 Little League World Series, Larson has made decisive moves to further his career.

After moving to Florida to attend the IMG Academy, the promising pitcher showed off a 90-plus mph fastball that caught the attention of scouts. His performance, coupled with his passion for the game, makes him a talent to watch within the organization.

The undrafted free agents

In addition to their draft picks, the White Sox have also acquired several undrafted free agents, reflecting their strategy to bolster the team on several fronts. This includes pitchers such as Colton McIntosh from the University of Washington and Gray Thomas from the University of Oklahoma, as well as catchers and infielders looking to make their mark on the team.

The Chicago White Sox have also added some talented hitters, young players who have impressed with their talent, power and ability with the wood in hand.

Caleb Bonemer: A Historic Opportunity

Caleb Bonemer, a standout slugger from Okemos High School in Michigan, was also selected in the draft, going 43rd overall. With an estimated value of $2,172,800, Bonemer has earned a special spot as the first player from Greater Lansing to be selected in the MLB draft since 2017. It’s a testament to the emerging talent the region has to offer and a promising sign for the future of the White Sox.

Nick McLain: The dream is still possible

The White Sox also signed Nick McLain with the 78th pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft. McLain was plagued by injuries throughout his college career, which began at UCLA before transferring to Arizona State. He missed much of the 2024 season after breaking the hook bone in both hands, but he closed out the campaign in excellent fashion to once again emerge as a draft prospect.

McLain is an ambidextrous hitter who hits for good average rather than significant power. He also has the advantage of good genetics, as his brother Matt McLain (shoulder) is making his mark in the majors with the Reds.

The Chicago White Sox put together a solid 2024 draft, not only securing their first-round pick, Hagen Smith, and a promising prospect at the position, but also adding other talent to their roster. With a focus on developing young players and bringing in free agents, the foundation has been laid for the team to pursue a successful future in the Major Leagues.

As these new players integrate into the organization, White Sox fans have reason to be optimistic about the years ahead.

Here’s the list of the White Sox draft picks for 2024, and the undrafted free agents they’ve chosen to sign:

• 1 Hagen Smith LHP 20 6-3 225 University of Arkansas (Bullard, Texas)
• 2 Caleb Bonemer SS 18 6-1 195 Okemos High School (Okemos, Michigan)
• CB-B Blake Larson Left-handed pitcher 18 6-2 180 IMG Academy (Des Moines, Iowa)
• 3 Nick McLain OF 21 5-10 190 Arizona State University (Tustin, California)
• 4 Casey Saucke OF 20 6-3 210 University of Virginia (Rochester, New York)
• 5 Sam Antonacci INF 21 6-0 195 Coastal Carolina University (Springfield, Illinois)
• 6 Jackson Appel C 22 6-0 200 Texas A&M University (Houston, Texas)
• 7 Phil Vos RHP 21 5-9 185 University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• 8 Aaron Kammen LD 22 6-3 190 University of Tennessee (Sarasota, Florida)
• 9 Jack Jong LD 22 5-10 195 University of Iowa (LeClaire, Iowa)
• 10 Cole McConnell OR 23 6-1 210 Louisiana Tech University (Beaumont, Texas)
• 11 Blake Shepardson RHP 21 6-5 220 University of San Francisco (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)
• 12 Nathan Sagittarius OF 21 6-0 175 Bowling Green State University (LaGrange, Ohio)
• 13 Pierce George LHP 21 6-6 240 University of Alabama (Austin, Texas)
• 14 Justin Sinibaldi LHP 22 6-5 220 Rutgers University (Bridgewater, NJ)
• 15 Mason Moore RHP 22 6-4 215 University of Kentucky (Morehead, Ky.)
• 16 TJ McCants OF 23 6-3 200 University of Alabama (Cantonment, Fla.)
• 17 Lyle Miller-Green OF/RHP 23 6-5 235 Austin Peay State University (Burke, Va.)
• 18 Liam Paddack LHP 20 6-4 210 Gonzaga University (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)
• 19 Nick Pinto LHP 24 6-0 185 University of California-Irvine (Colo. de Caza, Calif.)
• UDFA Jorge Corona C 23 6-2 215 Louisiana Tech University (Miami, Florida)
• UDFA Bryce Eblin INF 22 5-11 185 University of Alabama (Greenwood, Ind.)
• UDFA Alec Makarewicz INF 23 6-2 235 North Carolina State University (Longwood, Florida)
• UDFA Colton McIntosh RHP 23 6-1 195 University of Washington (Phoenix, Arizona)
• UDFA Miguel Sanots INF 23 5-11 175 Dallas Baptist University (Fort Worth, Texas)
• UDFA Smith Award SS 23 6-0 190 Universidad de Kentucky (Albuquerque, NM)
• UDFA Gray Thomas RHP 21 6-3 210 Universidad de Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Okla.)

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