The Chicago White Sox have made a significant move in the 2026 MLB Draft by selecting Roch Cholowsky, the standout shortstop from UCLA, with the No. 1 pick. Cholowsky had been the consensus top prospect throughout the spring, showcasing an impressive season with a batting line of .320/.452/.636, hitting 21 homers while maintaining a balance of 36 walks and 36 strikeouts over 60 games.

MLB Pipeline highlights Cholowsky, 21, as potentially the best all-around college shortstop since Troy Tulowitzki. His combination of skills and strong character suggests he could be ready for the big leagues sooner rather than later. Notably, Cholowsky marks the first college shortstop to be drafted within the top three picks since Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman in 2015.

Key Highlights about Roch Cholowsky:

• Highest Drafted UCLA Player Since 2011: Cholowsky is the first Bruin selected in the top 15 since Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer were picked No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, in 2011. Previous first-round selections from UCLA included James Kaprielian (No. 16 in 2015) and Michael Toglia (No. 23 in 2019).

• Undrafted No. 1 Prospect in 2023: Coming out of high school, Cholowsky was a top 50 prospect but went undrafted due to his commitment to UCLA and a high price tag. He was ranked as the 44th-best prospect for the 2023 Draft, the highest-ranked player not picked that year.

• Athletic Background: Cholowsky’s father is a former player and current scout, adding a rich legacy to his baseball journey.

With this selection, the White Sox aim to secure their shortstop of the future, hoping Cholowsky will make a significant impact in the coming years.