Roch Cholowsky lands high on 1st MLB Pipeline ranking since draft

It has been one month since Roch Cholowsky was selected first overall by the Chicago White Sox in the 2026 MLB Draft. The 21 year old shortstop has wasted no time getting his professional career started as he reported to High-A Winston Salem and has already appeared in seven games. Cholowsky already has his first home run as a pro, after hitting 52 over his college career, including 21 this year.

Being the No.1 overall pick, there is significant hype and expectations surrounding Cholowsky. That said, MLB Pipeline just released their new top 100 prospect rankings, which includes players taken in this year’s draft. Cholowsky came in at No.11 overall, with three total White Sox players making the list. Caleb Bonemer came in at No.30 and Billy Carlson No.62.

Roch Cholowsky lands as baseball’s No.11 overall prospect on MLB Pipeline’s first rankings since draft

Roch Cholowsky, Chicago White Sox, White Sox News, White Sox Prospects — Jul 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox number one draft pick Roch Cholowsky poses before the team’s game against the Athletics at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Interestingly, Cholowsky narrowly missed the top 10 prospects in baseball, with Grady Emerson ranking ahead of him despite being selected No. 2 overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in this year’s draft. That said, Cholowsky is older, more polished, and has a MLB ETA of 2027 whereas Emerson is three years younger and has a MLB ETA of 2029.

With roughly a month remaining in the minor league season, it will be interesting to see how Cholowsky performs. In his first week, he went 5-for-30 with three extra-base hits. He also stole three bases, while striking out seven times and drawing five walks.

Regardless of how the remainder of this season plays out, his performance in 2027 will be far more telling after the whirlwind of a year that saw him transition from college baseball to the professional ranks. If he does make his big league debut next year, as MLB Pipeline suggests, it likely would not be until later in the season, as Chicago has no reason to rush him up given their current influx of young talent on the roster currently.

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