No. 1 Prospect in Illinois, LSU Baseball Signee Drafted by Chicago White Sox

LSU signee Jaden Fauske has been selected by the Chicago White Sox with pick No. 44 in the MLB Draft on Sunday night.

Fauske, the No. 1 overall prospect in Illinois out of high school, signed with Jay Johnson and the LSU Tigers in the 2025 Recruiting Cycle.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder is a versatile weapon where he's thrived as a shortstop on the prep scene as the No. 14 rated prospect at the position, according to Perfect Game.

Fauske was named the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year after dominating at the high school level with Major League Baseball scouts salivating at the potential he attains.

The left-handed hitter has also handled business behind the plate and in the outfield while also spending time as a designated hitter across his high school career.

With the 44th pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the White Sox select OF Jaden Fauske from Nazareth Academy (IL). pic.twitter.com/sO25qi54ks
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 14, 2025

The slot value for pick No. 44 is $2.2 million, according to MLB.com.

Fauske is the second LSU signee to hear his name called in the 2025 MLB Draft alongside infielder Brady Ebel after being selected with pick No. 32 by the Milwaukee Brewers.

What will the Brewers organization get in the talented, versatile weapon as Fauske prepares to begin his journey?

The MLB.com Evaluation: "Fauske could be the best high school catching prospect in the Draft, but teams aren't convinced that he wants to play behind the plate and he hasn't much this spring. After helping Nazareth Academy (La Grange Park) win Illinois state 3-A titles as a freshman and sophomore, he spent most of his junior season at DH and much of the showcase circuit and senior season in the outfield.

"Gatorade's state prep player of the year, he could become a slightly smaller and less athletic version of Jayson Werth, a 1997 first-round pick as an Illinois high school catcher who became an All-Star outfielder.

"With a smooth left-handed stroke and a disciplined approach, Fauske has a history of hitting against both high school and showcase competition. He rarely chases pitches or swings and misses, though he can get too passive at times. He works the ball from gap to gap and should develop 20-homer power as he gets stronger and turns on more pitches.

"Fauske's solid speed would make him quicker than most catchers but ordinary for a center fielder, so he'll probably wind up on a corner if he's an outfielder.

"The Louisiana State recruit has reliable hands along with average arm strength and a quick transfer, which should allow him to get the job done behind the plate if he puts in the time to refine his receiving and blocking. His bat will remain intriguing even if he winds up in left or right field."

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