White Sox Take Roch Cholowsky at No. 1 for $10.35 Million After 40-Minute Draft Debate
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 15
White Sox Take Roch Cholowsky at No. 1 for $10.35 Million After 40-Minute Draft Debate
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 15
Summary
$10.35 million sealed Chicago’s choice of UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, whom the White Sox made the No. 1 overall pick after narrowing the draft to Cholowsky and high school shortstop Grady Emerson.
A 40-minute final war-room debate centered on Cholowsky’s safer profile — a .320/.452/.636 junior season, defensive versatility and a clearer development path despite concerns about his two-strike approach.
Emerson, 18, stayed in contention with a .532/.648/1.013 senior season and strong reviews for his bat, athleticism and makeup, but GM Chris Getz leaned toward Cholowsky’s college experience and lower risk.
Chicago also boosted its draft flexibility by acquiring the No. 34 pick from Pittsburgh, adding bonus-pool room after the top slot carried a value of just over $11.3 million.
The selection capped a process that began when the White Sox won December’s draft lottery and reflected a club that believes its first-place roster can let Cholowsky develop without being rushed.