Chicago White Sox
· 2026-07-12
Chicago White Sox selected right‑handed pitcher Joey Volchko from Visalia in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft, a move that adds depth to a bullpen that helped the club sit 2nd in the American League with a 49‑45 record and a two‑game winning streak.
Volchko, a 19‑year‑old from California, posted a 3.12 ERA over 78 innings for the Visalia Rawhide last season, striking out 92 batters and walking just 18. He throws a mid‑90 fastball, a sharp slider and a developing changeup. Scouts praised his poise on the mound and his ability to locate pitches in the strike zone. The White Sox see him as a potential middle‑relief arm who could climb the ladder quickly in Chicago’s farm system.
Chicago’s scouting department has been targeting high‑upside arms from the West Coast, and Volchko fit the profile perfectly. General manager Chris Getz noted the club’s need for left‑handed depth but also emphasized the value of a solid right‑hander who can eat innings. The third‑round pick reflects the organization’s belief that Volchko can develop into a reliable bullpen piece, complementing veterans like Liam Hendriks and emerging arms such as Garrett Crochet.
The White Sox entered the summer with a 49‑45 record, sitting second in the AL and riding a two‑game winning streak after a 1‑0 victory over the Athletics on July 11, 2026. Their bullpen has been a focal point, and adding a pitcher with Volchko’s strikeout ability could shore up late‑inning stability. If he progresses as projected, he could join the Triple‑A Charlotte Knights next season, providing a fresh option for manager Pedro Grifol when the rotation needs rest.
After signing, Volchko will report to the White Sox’s rookie‑level affiliate in Arizona for a brief introductory stint. He’ll work with pitching coach Mike Goff to refine his secondary offerings and adjust to professional hitters. The organization expects him to start the 2027 season in Low‑A, with the goal of reaching Double‑A by mid‑year if his performance mirrors his Visalia numbers.
Adding Volchko signals Chicago’s continued investment in home‑grown talent rather than high‑priced free‑agents. The club’s farm system, already ranked among the top five, now boasts another promising arm that could contribute to a playoff push in the next two seasons. Fans will be watching his development closely, hoping his fastball will translate into the kind of swing‑and‑miss stuff that helped the Sox clinch that narrow 1‑0 win against Oakland.
The draft pick underscores a broader strategy: blend veteran leadership with youthful energy to keep the White Sox competitive in a tough AL Central. As the season unfolds, every new prospect like Volchko adds another piece to a puzzle that could keep Chicago in the hunt for a postseason berth.