White Sox Weigh 3 Players for No. 1 MLB Draft Pick

Q: With a star shortstop in place, why are the White Sox considering drafting another one first overall?

Because the White Sox are drafting for long-term talent, not for today’s lineup card. Chicago’s front office has been explicit that the No. 1 pick will be based on who they believe is the best player, regardless of the current major league roster. Mike Shirley said the club is focused on what these prospects will be “two to three years from now” when they could reach the majors, and GM Chris Getz’s philosophy is to take “the best player” rather than draft for immediate need. That matters because elite shortstops are often viewed as premium draft assets. Players who can handle shortstop usually bring the athleticism, arm strength and defensive value to move elsewhere if needed, whether that is third base, second base or even the outfield. So drafting a shortstop does not necessarily mean the White Sox see him only as a future shortstop in Chicago. It also reflects baseball’s development reality. Prospects take years to arrive, and many do not develop as expected. Even with Colson Montgomery established in the majors, adding another high-end shortstop such as Roch Cholowsky or Grady Emerson would give the organization another premium talent, more roster flexibility and potentially a valuable trade asset later. In short, the White Sox appear willing to draft another shortstop because they see the draft as a chance to secure the highest-upside player available, not to fill a current hole.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 9

Three days before Saturday’s draft, Chicago is still split among UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey and Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson for the No. 1 overall pick.
Mike Shirley said the White Sox are focused solely on taking “the best player,” not major league needs or bonus money, with scouting, player development and research staff all involved in the final call.
Cholowsky strengthened his case by hitting .320 with 21 home runs in his junior season, while Shirley said Emerson sharply closed the gap and called Lackey a catcher who could “define the position.”
The broader draft is being complicated by NIL money and players staying in school, though Shirley said that issue should not affect the top pick.
Chicago expects to leave the top of the draft soon as its surprise turnaround continues after three straight 100-loss seasons, including a record 121 defeats in 2024.