Sports

Former Redwood High star pitcher Joey Volchko drafted by Chicago White Sox

Georgia and former Redwood High star Joey Volchko was selected in the third round by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Georgia and former Redwood High star Joey Volchko was selected in the third round by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, July 11, 2026. UGAAA
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.

Read our AI Policy.


  • The Chicago White Sox selected Joey Volchko in the third round, 77th overall.
  • Volchko posted an 11-2 record with a 3.68 ERA and 119 strikeouts for Georgia in 2025.
  • As a Redwood High senior he went 7-2 with a 0.59 ERA and 134 strikeouts over 59 innings.

Three years after starring at Redwood High, Joey Volchko has taken the next step toward the major leagues.

The Chicago White Sox selected the right-handed pitcher in the third round with the 77th overall pick in Saturday’s MLB draft. The slot value for the selection is approximately $1.09 million.

Volchko spent two seasons at Stanford before transferring to Georgia, where he emerged as the Bulldogs’ ace in 2026.

He helped lead Georgia to a 53-14 record and a third-place finish at the College World Series, compiling an 11-2 record with a 3.68 ERA and 119 strikeouts. His 11 victories ranked third nationally, highlighted by a 15-strikeout complete-game performance against Texas in the College World Series.

Volchko’s professional opportunity comes after a standout high school career at Redwood.

As a senior, he was named The Fresno Bee Large School Player of the Year after posting a 7-2 record with a 0.59 ERA over 59 innings and striking out 134 batters.

He also excelled offensively, batting .442 with a .500 on-base percentage. Volchko drove in 38 runs, scored 22, collected eight doubles and three triples, and hit eight home runs.

Related Stories from Fresno Bee
Anthony Galaviz
The Fresno Bee
Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.  Support my work with a digital subscription
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER