​PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Chicago White Sox aren’t pretending they’re still chasing the top spot in the standings. They’re ready to contend in the AL Central after clawing their way out of three straight 100-loss seasons, a turnaround led by star third baseman Miguel Vargas. In the draft, the White Sox hold the No. 1 overall pick for Saturday’s event in Philadelphia, a centerpiece of All-Star weekend festivities. Having claimed the top choice after a 102-loss season and winning the draft lottery, Chicago hopes to select a future cornerstone who could help end its World Series drought, last won in 2005.
Unlike years past, there isn’t a clear-cut favorite for the No. 1 pick this year, much like the uncertainty surrounding Bryce Harper, the Phillies’ standout slugger who was a top pick in 2010. Chicago is expected to consider one of three prospects: UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, or Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. MLB indicated on Friday that no amateur players would be in attendance at the draft, mirroring last year’s approach.
Here’s a closer look at the three front-runners and how they could fit into the White Sox’ plans as they try to accelerate their rebuild:
– Roch Cholowsky: The 6-foot-2 right-handed hitter was a Golden Spikes finalist at UCLA, posting a 1.088 OPS with 21 homers and 60 RBIs in his junior season. He represents a polished college bat with a track record of success at a high level of competition, potentially boosting Chicago’s lineup relatively quickly.
– Vahn Lackey: The 21-year-old catcher from Georgia Tech stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 215 pounds. Lackey didn’t receive Division I offers until late in high school but has since blossomed into one of the top catching prospects in the draft. He also has shown versatility by playing third base, offering a potential two-way contribution for the club.
– Grady Emerson: At 18 years old, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound shortstop bats left and throws right. Emerson is widely regarded as the best all-around player in this year’s draft, prized for his overall package of hitting, defense, and athleticism.
The White Sox are in “win-now” mode after years of rebuilding, which could push them toward selecting a college player such as Cholowsky. He brings a proven track record and a substantial level of experience at a major program, which might translate to a quicker path to contributing in the big leagues—though that would come with caveats about the pitching staff and development window. As White Sox director of player development Paul Janish explained, the timing of the draft in July and the minor-league season’s early end in September means a relatively narrow window to get players ready for their first full pro season. The priority, he noted, is health and readiness for spring training.
This draft chatter sits against the backdrop of a franchise looking to accelerate a turnaround. The White Sox’ 2024-25 plan hinges on acquiring impact talent who can help them compete in the years ahead, even if that means choosing a college product who might be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. The pick could yield a player who helps not only this season but also the next wave of Chicago’s lineup as they push to reestablish themselves as a perennial contender in the American League Central.
The historical arc of this kind of decision echoes a moment from Phillies lore: Jim Thome’s arrival after leaving Cleveland helped transform Philadelphia from a long-suffering franchise into a championship contender. Thome’s impact, starting with a breakout 47-homer season and culminating in his 400th career homer at Citizens Bank Park, is a reminder of how a single acquisition can reshape a franchise’s trajectory. As the White Sox weigh their options, they’ll be hoping to find a Thome-like catalyst who can help restore glory and end a prolonged period of rebuilding. The prospect pool is strong, and the choices have the potential to alter Chicago’s fortunes for years to come.