With the first overall selection in this year’s MLB Draft, the Chicago White Sox add a player that was widely considered the best shortstop prospect in two decades early in his draft process.
UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky is headed to the Windy City to aid a surging White Sox team that currently sits atop the AL Central division at 48-45.
For more on the selection and how Cholowsky can have an impact in Chicago, here’s the breakdown from White Sox Roundtable writer Sam Phalen.
Cholowsky adds a strong hitter and glove to the White Sox lineup with the potential to be a star name in the league as he develops in the pros.
During his final season with the Bruins, the right-hander hit 21 home runs, following a 23-homer season, notched 60 RBIs and only 36 strikeouts. In his career, he’s been walked 105 times with only 100 strikeouts to his name.
Without seeing a major leap in his production during his final year, some began to question whether or not Cholowsky would still lead off the opening round of this year’s MLB Draft. But the selection process’s biggest question has now been answered.
The White Sox move forward with the impressive shortstop, giving themselves another strong player at the position along with Colson Montgomery, No. 1 prospect Caleb Bonemer, and top 2025 draft selection Bill Carlson along with other options.
Cholowsky helps to elevate not just his position, but the promise of the entire White Sox club who have had a busy couple of days.
Ahead of the draft, the Sox traded infielder Jacob Gonzalez and pitcher Brandon Eisert to the Pittsburgh Pirates for the No. 34 overall selection and pitching prospect Jaden Woods.
