Auburn baseball landed Frankie Thomas III, son of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas, for the 2027 class. The No. 44 prospect says he wants a statue next to his father’s.
Auburn, AL — Auburn has secured a commitment of 2027 prospect Frank "Frankie" Thomas III, son of Pro Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Thomas.
The highly regarded prospect announced his decision Monday, providing coach Butch Thompson's program with another major talent for its 2027 recruiting class.
Thomas III is ranked the No. 44 player in the country and carries a Perfect Game grade of 9.5, joining an Auburn class already ranked No. 8 nationally.
Thomas III, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound left-handed hitter who splits time between first base and the outfield, is currently enrolled at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He cited the influence of Thompson, Gabe Gross and Karl Nonemaker, along with the family atmosphere, as pivotal to his choice.
Thomas told Auburnundercover.com, "I just truly believe that the fan base and the entire family environment of Auburn, I have grown up coming up to Auburn watching football games with my whole family,” “I have always loved Auburn. I just love it.”
The 2027 signee was drawn to the demeanor of the coaching staff. “The way this coaching staff works, it's very chill and calm,” he said. “I feel like they didn’t apply much pressure, which I love. They really just want what’s best for you every day. They just want you to get better. It’s a place to come and win."
Thomas is optimistic about the incoming talent. "It’s super exciting to look at,” Thomas added of the recruiting class. “I think we have a great shot to get to Omaha and win the national championship. It’s a very talented class. I’m excited and ready for it. Let’s do it baby. War Eagle!”
Frankie Thomas is embracing the legacy of his father, Frank Thomas Sr., who played both football and baseball for the Tigers before his stellar professional career. The elder Thomas, nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” was a five-time All-Star, won two American League MVP awards and four Silver Slugger Awards. His No. 35 jersey is retired by the Chicago White Sox, where he played from 1990 to 2005.
Frankie confirmed the excitement was mutual: “He’s been wanting me to go to Auburn since I was a kid,” Frankie said. “He’s super-stoked about me coming up.”
Despite the family name being enshrined in a statue outside Plainsman Park, Thomas III stated he sees the connection as motivation. “I’m going to always embrace it, but at the end of the day I want a statue next to his,” he said.
Scouting Profile and Statistics
Thomas III, a first baseman and outfielder from Sarasota, Fla., has a strong, athletic 6-2, 195-pound frame and is known to be an excellent student. As a left-handed hitter, he uses a high hand load and a hanging front foot, demonstrating easy strength and leverage for consistent, loud contact to the middle of the field. He posted a 6.92 in the 60-yard dash and is noted for his good fundamentals and arm strength at first base.
Last season he posted great numbers at the plate according to a post from his X account:
Hitting Defense
AVG .544 63 chances
OBP .634 1 E
SLG .899
OPS 1.532
43 hits
15 XBH
5 HR
41 RBIs
39 R
17 BB
15 SB
Auburn’s baseball team will be one to keep an eye on, especially in 2027.
