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4h ago

White Sox Sign No. 1 Pick Roch Cholowsky for Reported $10.35 Million Bonus

Chicago views Cholowsky as a near-ready, middle-of-the-order shortstop who could reach the majors in 2027.

Jul 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox number one draft pick Roch Cholowsky throws out a ceremonial first pitch at Rate Field before the team’s game against the Athletics. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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Jul 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox number one draft pick Roch Cholowsky poses before the team’s game against the Athletics at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Roch Cholowsky throws out the first pitch at a White Sox game.

Overview

  • The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick and agreed to terms on a reported $10.35 million signing bonus.
  • The bonus tops the previous reported draft high but remains below the official No. 1 slot value of roughly $11.35 million, leaving the club flexibility in its bonus pool.
  • Scouting and college performance show Cholowsky as a power-hitting shortstop with high contact and power grades and strong defensive marks from MLB.com.
  • Chicago assembled a largely college-focused 2026 draft class and confirmed it does not plan to sign 20th-round pick Connor Fennell, calling that selection an insurance policy.
  • Media analysts project Cholowsky could reach the big leagues as early as 2027, a timeline that would boost the White Sox lineup but could shift if labor or development issues arise.