Chicago White Sox select Roch Cholowsky as No. 1 MLB draft pick
White Sox secure top pick
The Chicago White Sox have reportedly reached an agreement with Roch Cholowsky, their top selection in the recent MLB draft. The shortstop, chosen as the No. 1 pick on Saturday, quickly finalized his contract, which includes a record-setting signing bonus.
According to reports, Cholowsky is set to receive a bonus of $10.35 million. This figure is approximately $1 million less than the designated slot value for the pick, but it surpasses the previous record by $1.1 million. The prior record was held by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns and Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Condon, who each signed for $9.25 million in the 2024 draft.
The selection of Cholowsky marks a significant moment for the White Sox, as he is their first No. 1 draft pick since 1977, when the team selected Harold Baines. On Sunday afternoon at Rate Field, Cholowsky threw a ceremonial first pitch to Baines, connecting the past and present of the organization.
General Manager Chris Getz stated that the team was most comfortable with Roch Cholowsky as their first pick, regardless of the signing bonus amount. This decision highlights the organization’s confidence in their top selection.
Cholowsky’s background and potential
Cholowsky, a shortstop from UCLA, visited Chicago in early June, where he met with White Sox coaches, players, front office staff, and owner Jerry Reinsdorf. During his visit, he was present when Braden Montgomery hit a walk-off home run in his major-league debut. This experience reportedly influenced his desire to join the team, as he informed his agent the following morning, “That’s where I want to be.”
Draft expert Keith Law suggested that Cholowsky “should move quickly through the low minors.” During his junior year at UCLA, Cholowsky achieved a .320/.452/.636 slash line, including 21 home runs in 60 games. Law, who ranked Cholowsky as the No. 1 prospect on his pre-draft big board, described him as “a polished shortstop with power and excellent instincts on both sides of the ball.” Law also projected that, barring injury, Cholowsky could become “at least an everyday MLB shortstop who hits 15-20 homers,” with a ceiling of “25-30 homers with a high OBP,” and is expected to play “plus defense in any scenario.”
While there were some discussions regarding a dip in Cholowsky’s performance during his junior year compared to his sophomore season, where he recorded an 1.190 OPS, White Sox GM Chris Getz acknowledged these concerns. Getz indicated that the organization was comfortable with their analysis of Cholowsky’s underlying performance.
Cholowsky’s father, Dan Cholowsky, also has a history in professional baseball, having been a first-round pick himself, selected No. 39 by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1991. Dan Cholowsky played every position on the diamond during his eight minor-league seasons with the Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Rockies, and now works as an area scout for the Reds.
Draft strategy and other selections
The day before the draft, the White Sox executed a trade to acquire the No. 34 pick, which significantly increased their bonus pool to a record sum of nearly $20.5 million. This strategic move provided them with additional flexibility in signing their draftees.
With the No. 34 pick, the White Sox selected high school shortstop Landon Thome, the son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome, who serves as a special assistant to Getz. Both Thomes participated in a ceremonial first pitch on Sunday. The team’s draft strategy also included other notable selections. Prosek, an older prep prospect without a clear defensive position, was noted for his hitting ability and is considered a clear-cut over-slot candidate. Volchko, with high velocity and a sharp slider, has a middle-relief floor and potential to start. Segura is projected as a sinker/sweeper reliever.
Teams have until 5 p.m. ET on July 27 to finalize agreements with their drafted players.
The White Sox were noted for having the most bonus pool money after their trade for the 34th pick, allowing them flexibility in their draft signings. The organization will now focus on integrating Cholowsky and their other draft picks into their system.
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Source: nytimes.com
