MLB Notebook: Red Sox’ bold draft, Brody Bumila heads to Texas, trade deadline cautionary tales, and around the league
Boston Sports Journal • • sports
Key Points:
- The Chicago White Sox used the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft to select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, who is expected to sign a record-breaking bonus exceeding $9.25 million.
- Cholowsky, a 6-foot-2, 202-pound player with a strong bat and excellent defense, joins a White Sox organization rich in young infield talent, including Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery.
- The Boston Red Sox controversially selected North Carolina shortstop Jake Schaffner with the 20th overall pick, a choice that surprised many and is believed to be part of a strategy to save bonus pool money for later picks.
- Boston also drafted Schaffner’s teammate and roommate, outfielder Owen Hull, with the 67th pick, and high-upside shortstop Jace Mataczynski in the third round, focusing on athleticism and defensive skills.
- The Texas Rangers selected left-handed pitcher Brody Bumila from Massachusetts with the 89th overall pick despite a recent UCL injury; Bumila is noted for his 6-foot-9 frame and fastball velocity reaching 101 mph.
