Kyle Casteel, a right‑handed pitcher from Butler, Pennsylvania, has officially joined the Chicago White Sox after the club selected him in the 11th round of the MLB Draft. The signing came with a $1.25 million bonus and placed him at No. 162 on the overall prospect list. Casteel’s high school career was marked by exceptional control, posting a 0.63 ERA as a junior and a 0.64 ERA as a senior while throwing nearly 66 innings, allowing just six earned runs, 34 hits, 11 walks and striking out 103 batters.
Draft Landscape and the White Sox Outlook
The White Sox, currently tied for first in the American League Central with a 50‑45 record, view Casteel as a strategic addition to a bullpen that is already contending for a postseason spot. He becomes only the second high school draftee to bypass college and move directly to the majors since 2024, underscoring the club’s willingness to invest in raw talent.
The draft also saw the White Sox claim UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the first overall pick, a move that adds a dynamic infield piece to a roster already bolstered by veteran leadership. The selection highlights the team’s focus on blending power and precision as they aim to maintain their lead in the division.
Across the draft, a wave of Mountaineer alumni headed to professional contracts. Griffin Burkholder was chosen in the second round by the Philadelphia Phillies, while Maxx Yehl slipped to the Kansas City Royals in the third round. Dawson Montesa, also a second‑round pick, opted to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals, and shortstop Owen Henne was taken by the Cardinals in the sixth round. Utility player Armani Guzman withdrew from the draft to return to West Virginia, whereas outfielder Paul Schoenfeld went to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth round and right‑hander Ian Korn was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 10th round. Right‑hander Reese Bassinger signed as an undrafted free agent, rounding out a class that reflects the program’s depth.
The influx of talent does not end with the 2024 draft class. Pitcher Chansen Cole, an All‑Big 12 first‑team selection and semifinalist for the National Pitcher of the Year award, will return to lead the rotation for the Mountaineers, giving the program a strong anchor as it seeks another run at the College World Series. With five transfer arms, a JUCO pitcher and four high school prospects arriving next season, West Virginia appears poised to replenish its staff and remain a factor on the national stage.