​Following an outstanding run with the UCLA Bruins, Roch Cholowsky became the third UCLA player ever to be selected first overall in the MLB Draft, with the Chicago White Sox claiming Cholowsky at the top. Expectations are lofty for Cholowsky after he dominated college pitching throughout his entire Bruin career. He achieved success on a winning program, contributing to UCLA securing consecutive Big Ten Conference titles.
The White Sox are enjoying a rebound season, currently leading the American League Central. Although Cholowsky won’t join the team this year, when he is called up, he will begin his major league career with a franchise that has genuine postseason ambitions. USA TODAY columnist Gabe Lacques gave the White Sox an A- for their pick of Cholowsky. “Here’s to not overthinking it. Cholowsky’s junior year may not have surpassed the breakout impact of his sophomore season that positioned him as the 1/1 in waiting,” Lacques wrote. “He remains the clearest bet with a solid ceiling among the consensus top three to six prospects. For a franchise on the rise, Cholowsky could contribute as soon as 2027.”
MLB.com contributor Jonathan Mayo offered a more optimistic take on the selection. “Considered the best college shortstop to enter pro ball since Troy Tulowitzki in 2005, Cholowsky was at or near the very top of Draft boards from start to finish,” Mayo noted. “He homered 44 times across the last two seasons for the Bruins and was a Golden Spikes Award finalist this year. The decision came down to Cholowsky versus Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, and the White Sox took it down to the wire before choosing the college player who has a real chance to reach Chicago quickly and will likely be the long-term answer at shortstop.”
This piece originally appeared on UCLA Wire in conjunction with coverage of what draft experts are saying about Roch Cholowsky going No. 1.