The White Sox dipped back in to the high school bats arena in the sixth round, selecting 2026 New Jersey Player of the Year Alex Weingartner out of St. Augustine Prep (N.J.) H.S. with the No. 166 pick in the 2026 MLB draft.
Weingartner was a pitcher who was hitting 95-96 mph on the mound entering his senior season, but saw his profile slip back to primary-hitter with a strong senior year with the bat. He worked his pre-draft regard up to No. 159 on MLB’s board, meaning the White Sox got a small steal
by finding him still available.
Given his lower selection there could be a slight question of whether enough of a bonus can be offered to pry Weingartner from a commitment to Penn State, but it’s safe to say that the White Sox aren’t taking wild stabs in the sixth round and will thus meet the outfielder’s needs.
When it comes to defensive positioning, Weingartner may be a puzzle. He was a shortstop/pitcher in high school, but the White Sox are drafting him (announced as) an outfield. Where he lands on the field aside, Weingartner’s other calling card is speed (both grade out as 60s). In fact, Weingartner was a relatively under-the-radar prospect in high school until he ran a record-breaking, 6.24-second 60-yard dash during an offseason showcase. Presumably, then, Weingartner boasts an arm for right field and the quicks for center.
At the plate, Weingartner has solid 50 power but what kept him from being a first-day pick likely was a long swing that evaluators worry might prevent the prep from catching up to the higher velocities he’ll face as a pro.
Expect Weingartner to hit the ground running and get some time in a Kannapolis later this summer, as the White Sox sort out what sort of gift may have fallen to them in the sixth round.
The 2026 White Sox draft storystream contains all of our draft content.
