​The Sporting News originally reported that the Chicago White Sox are poised to sign Roch Cholowsky, the UCLA shortstop expected to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 MLB Draft, to a contract surpassing $10 million. The publication notes that the decision represents a significant, multi-million-dollar commitment tied to the top pick, with the deal now projected to exceed $10 million after adjustments to earlier estimates.
Doyle, via Over Slot, confirms the White Sox’s selection of Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft and describes the ensuing contract as a substantial seven-figure agreement. Early figures suggested a contract around $9.5 million, but a correction indicates Cholowsky’s deal will surpass $10 million, underscoring the team’s aggressive investment in the former UCLA standout.
Cholowsky, 21, delivered an outstanding season for UCLA. In 60 games and 231 at-bats, he posted 74 hits, scored 73 runs, hit 10 doubles and 21 home runs, drove in 60 runs, drew 36 walks, struck out 36 times, and posted a .320 batting average with a 1.088 OPS. He also was hit by pitches 25 times in the season, adding to an impressive college résumé that includes a 1.190 OPS and 23 homers with 74 RBIs over 66 games in the previous year at UCLA. The right-handed infielder is the son of former minor leaguer Dan Cholowsky and is headed to Chicago, expected to sign a contract north of $10 million after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 MLB Draft.
The White Sox’s next selections come at No. 34 and No. 41 overall, the latter following a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates that secured the 34th pick on Friday night. The draft continues with various strategic considerations and trade discussions among teams, as other clubs explore potential moves involving established players and top prospects. In this context, Cholowsky’s anticipated $10 million-plus contract stands out as a centerpiece of Chicago’s draft class and their broader pursuit of high-impact talent.