White Sox Draft OF Jaden Fauske with 44th Pick in 2025 MLB Draft
After selecting highly-touted shortstop Billy Carlson with the 10th overall pick, the White Sox returned to the high school ranks with their second pick of the day, drafting 18-year-old outfielder Jaden Fauske out of Nazareth Academy (IL). The local standout was chosen with the 44th overall selection. Fauske was ranked No. 57 overall by MLB Pipeline and as high as No. 31 by ESPN, with a strong consensus among scouting services that he was one of the most complete prep bats in the Midwest.
Honored as the 2024–25 Gatorade Illinois Baseball Player of the Year, Fauske is coming off a standout senior campaign. He was one of the most consistent performers on the summer showcase circuit and later backed it up with a monster spring that included a .475 batting average, .601 OBP, 1.444 OPS, 40 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases. He also received the Southwest Regional Baseball Player of the Year.
Fauske began his prep career as an infielder and later converted to catcher before settling into the outfield over the last year or so. His transition has only enhanced his value, as he projects as a bat-first corner outfielder with center field versatility early in his career. Mike Shirley praised the improvements Fauske made to his athleticism and speed tools over the offseason.
Fauske’s left-handed swing is compact and efficient through the zone. His bat-to-ball skills are highly advanced for his age. The swing path creates natural lift, and he’s shown emerging pull-side power. With further strength gains, 20+ home run potential is a realistic outcome as he matures.
The White Sox have become known for selecting players from their Area Code teams, and Fauske fits that mold. He played for the White Sox Area Codes Team and was coached by Hall of Famer Jim Thome at Nazareth. Also played with Thome’s son, Landon. His connection to the organization is strong, and Chicago has had extended live looks on him dating back to his underclass years.
While Fauske doesn’t possess plus speed, he has excellent instincts on the basepaths and in the field. His awareness and feel for positioning allows him to cover ground effectively despite lacking elite straight-line speed. His experience as a catcher also contributes to his strong grasp of field awareness and game flow.
Praised by coaches, Fauske matched his excellence on the field with impressive academic credentials. He graduated with a 4.2 GPA, earned Illinois State Scholar recognition, and also competed as a high-level chess player.
From Summer Circuit to White Sox Second Round Selection
Fauske impressed evaluators last summer at high-profile events like the Area Code Games, MLB All-American Game, and Perfect Game All-American Classic. His standout performances against premium velocity and secondary stuff helped solidify him as a top-two round target despite questions about position.
Known for his disciplined approach, Fauske stays within the strike zone and drives the ball with authority when pitchers make mistakes. According to reports, his average exit velocity has been measured around 97.6 mph, with peaks up to 104.7 mph, numbers that place him firmly among the top-tier power threats in the high school class.
Fauske is expected to spend the remainder of 2025 working out of the White Sox’s Arizona complex, where he’ll begin acclimating to professional pitching and daily routines. If he progresses as anticipated, a full-season assignment with Low-A Kannapolis could follow in 2026. His polished approach and offensive feel give him a chance to accelerate through the system quicker than most prep prospects.
Fitting in the Totality of the White Sox Draft Class
After selecting Carlson in the top ten, the White Sox added another prep hitter with a strong foundation and plenty of upside. Both picks represent long-term plays that fit the club’s ongoing strategy of stockpiling athletic high school bats with offensive projection.
Fauske is committed to LSU and will require a competitive signing bonus to bypass college. Shirley acknowledged the team had planned accordingly to stay aggressive and pursue the players they valued most. With bonus pool flexibility and preparation, Chicago is confident they can finalize a deal.
Chicago ended Day 1 of the draft with two of the more well-rounded high school bats on the board, building on a trend from recent drafts.
