Jim Callis shuts down Bob Nightengale’s claims and explains why Roch Cholowsky remains the clear favorite for the White Sox at No. 1 overall.
By now, you've probably stumbled across the rumors surrounding the Chicago White Sox and the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Either voluntarily or involuntarily, you've likely seen discussions about whether or not the White Sox will select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, the consensus top draft prospect in this year's class.
Last week, a column in USA Today from Bob Nightengale, along with his ensuing appearance on 104.3 The Score, polluted the airwaves with misinformation about the White Sox and the 2026 MLB Draft.
Nightengale noted that “the White Sox remain uncertain who they will draft with the No. 1 pick in July, and insist they have not committed to taking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky.”
Fair enough. But he went on to do some posturing, suggesting that Cholowsky may not want to play for the White Sox, citing anonymous rival executives who believe he could fall to them in the draft. Nightengale didn't do much to strengthen his case during his radio appearance, where he didn’t seem to have a firm grasp on the mechanics of the MLB Draft or the prospects within this year’s class. He even got the name wrong of prep shortstop Grady Emerson, the only other realistic candidate to be selected first overall.
Then Nightengale started building a scenario where money would lead to Cholowsky refusing to play for the White Sox, threaten going pro in Japan, and prompt the team to instead select Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey with the top pick and trade Kyle Teel to acquire a shortstop prospect.
Yes, that actually happened. He actually said that.
Unfortunately, when you're given a platform, many people don't know better and are unable to see through the noise. I'm sure there are plenty of White Sox fans who took what Nightengale said at face value, which is why it's important to set the record straight and provide a more accurate representation of the decision the White Sox face with the number one overall pick.
Jim Callis is an MLB Draft expert. He’s a senior writer for MLB Pipeline. Evaluating draft prospects is what he does, and every year he’s part of the panel on MLB Network’s broadcast that breaks down every selection. Nobody knows it better than him.
And on Monday morning, Callis appeared on 104.3 The Score, the same radio station Nightengale used to spread his lazy narrative, to set the record straight surrounding the White Sox.
“Roch Cholowsky has lived up to expectations. He's still considered the consensus number one prospect in the draft. He's having a good season for UCLA, which is the number one team in the country,” Callis stated.
“I have not heard this ‘Roch Cholowsky doesn’t want to play for the White Sox.’ And frankly, it really doesn't matter, because if I'm the White Sox and I determine that Roch Cholowsky is the guy I want, I'm taking Roch Cholowsky, and I'm offering him—he's probably going to get $9.5 or $10 million.”
Now, I should note that Jim Callis did say there may be a better chance the White Sox draft Grady Emerson than is currently perceived by the public.
Emerson is a high school shortstop, and he's more advanced at this stage of his career than Cholowsky was at the same age. Emerson is a better runner than Cholowsky, while Roch is considered to be the superior defensive prospect. As is the case with any high school product, there may be more upside with a player like Emerson, but it's also less of a sure thing than Cholowsky, who is one of the most productive college shortstops we’ve seen enter the draft in recent years.
It all comes down to evaluation. And it’s entirely possible the White Sox haven’t fully made up their mind yet. The college baseball season still has a ways to go, and the White Sox would be wise to do their due diligence on both prospects to ensure they make the best decision possible. That’s well within the realm of possibility.
And while I do believe the White Sox will ultimately select Cholowsky, not even I would call it a complete slam dunk at this point.
But to be clear, if it’s not Cholowsky, Emerson will be the pick. And if the White Sox do end up selecting Cholowsky, he’s going to sign with them, regardless of any preferred destination.
“I've heard rumors that the Giants will do anything they can to get Roch Cholowsky at number four and pay him more than the White Sox would,” Callis said.
“It doesn't matter. If the White Sox take him, his options are sign for $9.5 or $10 million, or go back to UCLA, waste a year, delay free agency, and enter next year's draft with less leverage. That’s not going to happen. If the White Sox want Roch Cholowsky, they'll take him and he'll sign.”
Welcome to the MLB Draft. While the Giants could theoretically attempt to make a backdoor deal with Cholowsky and offer him more than the White Sox can pay, effectively tanking the rest of their draft class for one player, that’s not a realistic move for a franchise. And it has no bearing on what the White Sox do with the top pick.
Even if Cholowsky were offered more money by the Giants, the White Sox could still take him and sign him, because, as Callis explained, his alternative options provide no real leverage. He would still be in line to receive a record-setting signing bonus.
The 2026 MLB Draft will take place on July 11 in Philadelphia during MLB All-Star Week at Citizens Bank Park. The White Sox have until then to finalize their decision.
Here you can find more information about what the White Sox have said regarding the top pick and why I believe it points to Roch Cholowsky being the selection.
Between now and the draft, try to look past the noise and misinformation and focus on what’s real—and understand that someone like Jim Callis has a clear pulse on the situation.