Chicago White Sox select Roch Cholowsky with 1st pick in 2026 MLB amateur draft

The Chicago White Sox are 48-45 this season, and in first place in the American League Central Division. Despite how well they have played this year, their losing season in 2025 (their third straight with 100+ losses) led to them having the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB amateur draft.

In the weeks leading up to today’s first round, the White Sox were uncertain which player they would take with the number one overall pick. There were, of course, several quality candidates. And on Saturday, they took Roch Cholowsky, a shortstop from UCLA.

The Chicago White Sox draft Roch Cholowsky first overall

Chicago White Sox, Roch Cholowsky — Jun 17, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; UCLA Bruins shortstop Roch Cholowsky (1) throws to first base against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the third inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

Cholowsky, 21, played three seasons at UCLA where he hit ..329/.448/.624. He has been especially notable in the last two years. In 2025, he hit .353/.480/.710 with 23 home runs and 74 RBI. He also walked (45 times) more than he struck out (30 times).

This past season, Cholowsky hit .320/.452/.636 with 21 home runs and 60 RBI. He walked just as much as he struck out (36 times a piece).

Jeff Passan was the first to report that the White Sox had selected the UCLA product:

The Chicago White Sox are choosing UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 11, 2026

After the pick was made, Bob Nightengale reported on X that Chicago decided to draft Cholowsky after he agreed to sign for a lesser slot amount. The White Sox hope to use the savings to sign Landon Thome, the son of franchise legend and Hall of Famer Jim Thome:

The White Sox chose Cholowsky after he agreed to below slot signing in which the Sox would love to use the savings to draft Landon Thome, son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome https://t.co/e3ZyVg6P3A

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 11, 2026

Thome, who plays second and third base, is considered one of the best overall high school hitters in this year’s class.

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