With the 78th pick in the 2024 MLB draft, the White Sox used their third round selection on outfielder Nick McLain of Arizona State University.

Yet again, the White Sox are selecting in defiance of the MLB braintrust, using a No. 78 pick on the No. 129 prospect. Given his pedigree (brother of Reds infielder Matt McLain, you might be willing to grant the White Sox making a stretch.

However, when MLB expert Jonathan Mayo is estimating the White Sox third-rounder as “a fourth outfielder-type who could stick in center field,” enthusiasm tempers. Add that to the fact that is is a player whose stock dropped in part due to breaking not one, but both, hamate (hand) bones at ASU.

McLain is a switch hitter who you hope might end up flashing more speed than his six steals in eight attempts in 2024, given size (5´10´´ 185) that sort of demands it.

In what might be a continuing trend from the 2023 draft, McLain flashes a good eye at the plate, walking more (33) than whiffing (27) and carrying a 14.12% walk rate through two years with the Sun Devils.

Also, trigger warning: There’s a broad resemblance to Nick Swisher here.

Nick McLains’s Baseball Cube Talent Ratings
Power 94
XBH 94
Runs 93
RBIs 92
Hitting 71
Durability 42
Speed 5

2024 Chicago White Sox Draft Picks
First Round (No. 5 overall) Hagen Smith, LSHP (ranked No. 5 on MLB Pipeline)
Second Round (No. 43 overall) Caleb Bonemer, SS (ranked No. 71)
Second Round Competitive Balance Round B (No. 68 overall) Blake Larson (ranked No. 104)
Third Round (No. 78 overall) Nick McLain, OF (ranked No. 129)

Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts by clicking the Patreon link below:

Become a member!