Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Chicago White Sox pick with the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft?
The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick. Cholowsky was widely considered the safest and most complete player available in the draft.
What are Roch Cholowsky's college stats at UCLA?
Cholowsky hit .308 with eight home runs as a freshman, then exploded for a .353 average with 23 home runs in 2025 and .320 with 21 homers in 2026. He earned back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Year honors and won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.
How much is Roch Cholowsky's signing bonus with the White Sox?
Cholowsky agreed to sign for below the $11.3 million slot value attached to the No. 1 overall pick, with his bonus expected to approach $10 million. The below-slot deal gives the White Sox extra flexibility to pursue high-upside talent later in the draft.
Who was the last shortstop picked No. 1 overall before Cholowsky?
Dansby Swanson was the last shortstop selected No. 1 overall, going to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015. Like Swanson, Cholowsky is known for polished defense, steady leadership, and Gold Glove-caliber potential.
Is Roch Cholowsky the first UCLA player ever drafted No. 1 overall?
No, Cholowsky is the second UCLA alum to go No. 1 overall. Gerrit Cole was the first, selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2011.
Mitchell Kaminski
I’m a Bradley University Sports Communication graduate with five years covering the Chicago White Sox and experience broadcasting for ESPN-partnered Bradley Athletics. I’ve worked as a radio play-by-play announcer in Missouri and currently serve as a TV reporter for ABC 17 News in Columbia.
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