White Sox Select Roch Cholowsky First Overall In 2026 Draft
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky as the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft, marking the third time the franchise has held the top pick in its history.
- Cholowsky is the second UCLA player to be drafted first overall, following Gerrit Cole in 2011, and was widely regarded as the favorite for the top pick despite some speculation about other prospects.
- Cholowsky agreed to sign for less than the $11.35 million slot value, potentially allowing the White Sox to allocate more funds to other draft picks seeking above-slot bonuses.
- The White Sox secured the first overall pick through the draft lottery, benefiting from MLB rules that limit consecutive lottery picks and revenue-sharing restrictions, despite their recent poor records.
- Cholowsky is praised for his defensive skills and strong arm at shortstop, with projections suggesting he could contribute power hitting of around 20 home runs annually; his arrival could bolster a White Sox team already showing competitive promise in the AL Central.
