The White Sox haven’t had much go right the past few seasons.
Jun 14, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; UCLA Bruins shortstop Roch Cholowsky (1) completes a double play against the Murray State Racers during the second inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images | Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
But when it comes to the 2026 MLB Draft, they may have stumbled into a best-case scenario.
Holding the No. 1 overall pick can bring anxiety. Sometimes there’s no clear-cut franchise player. Sometimes the “obvious” choice isn’t so obvious by July.
This year feels different.
Roch Cholowsky continues to make the decision look simple.
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 | Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
On Sunday night at Globe Life Field — an MLB stage — the UCLA star delivered the kind of moment scouts dream about. With the Bruins trailing No. 4 Mississippi State 5-3 in the ninth inning and down to their final out, Cholowsky stepped to the plate.
He didn’t waste time.
Before even seeing a pitch, he launched a 447-foot missile to left-center field, tying the game in dramatic fashion. The ball nearly reached the second deck signage. UCLA eventually completed the walk-off win in extras, 8-7.
It felt like a preview.
Through 11 games this season, Cholowsky has already crushed seven home runs. He’s slashing .366/.472/.976 with 15 RBIs. Those are video game numbers — and they’re coming against top-tier competition.
But what truly separates him isn’t just the bat.
Cholowsky is widely viewed as the best two-way college player in the country. His instincts at shortstop are polished and projectable. He moves with natural rhythm, shows advanced range, and carries the kind of baseball IQ that evaluators covet at premium positions.
Few recent prospects have combined elite offensive upside with legitimate shortstop defense this seamlessly.
For the White Sox, that matters.
Chicago is building toward something more sustainable. Young pitching is coming. Position-player talent is developing. Adding a polished, high-ceiling shortstop to that mix could accelerate the turnaround.
There’s still plenty of season left before draft day on July 13. Injuries happen. Slumps occur. Front offices overthink.
And the White Sox haven’t always been immune to questionable draft decisions.
But Cholowsky’s red-hot start is making it increasingly difficult to justify any alternative.
Moments like a 447-foot, game-tying homer in an MLB stadium don’t just pad stat sheets.
They reinforce readiness.
For a franchise desperate to change its trajectory, Roch Cholowsky is giving Chicago another reason — maybe the biggest one yet — to keep things simple when they’re on the clock.
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