Surprise, surprise, the White Sox have struck some gold in the 10th round, nabbing No. 162 MLB prospect Kyle Casteel of Butler (Pa.) H.S. with the No. 315 pick in the 2026 MLB draft.
Particularly given the timing, coming after an hour break in the draft and following three straight college value picks. The White Sox clearly struck something with Casteel (committed to play at the University of West Virginia next year) and will shake enough money out of the couch cushions to offer more than the $150,000
slot value for Picks 11-20.
Casteel is a big hurler, 6´4´´at just age 18, with a fastball running upwards of 95 mph and settling in the low-90s.
Casteel had a breakout senior season, which saw his draft stock shoot past even his own Golden Tornado teammate, RHSP Nolan Stefaniak. With additional growth/strength, Casteel could add some oomph to the fastball (think, perhaps, Tanner McDougal) and polish an already-great slider and necessary changeup.
Best of all, Casteel’s breakout in 2026 was shaped by an increased command of his pitches, indicating that even at his younger age he’s both a smart and mature pitcher. He was regarded as a talent worthy of the first five rounds, and fell to the White Sox as a result of the org’s persistence and thoroughness.
Getting Casteel is a big win for the White Sox.
The 2026 White Sox draft storystream contains all of our draft content.
