Already making waves for White Sox, Cholowsky set for pro debut

CHICAGO -- The epicenter of White Sox baseball splits into two different locales tonight.

In Boston, at Fenway Park, the South Siders take on the Red Sox, featuring the start of a three-game battle between two surprising but sturdy teams in the American League.

And approximately 779 miles away at Truist Stadium, Roch Cholowsky makes his affiliated baseball debut for the High-A Winston-Salem Dash. The 6:30 p.m. ET first pitch against Asheville makes things official for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft, but since his name was announced on July 11, the shortstop has already ingrained himself within the White Sox organization.

Cholowsky spoke to MLB.com for close to 20 minutes on Sunday before departing for North Carolina. He answered a plethora of questions after hitting for 2 1/2 hours in the Arizona heat at a private facility near his home … on his set off-day away from Camelback Ranch.

This conversation served as a clear-cut reminder of the star power exuded by the 21-year-old. He’s charismatic, eloquent, entertaining and focused. White Sox director of player development Paul Janish describes Cholowsky as “a humble presence.”

“A highly competitive kid,” Janish said. “He really likes to score more runs than the other team. It's something that we embrace.”

There was a weeklong Draft camp in Charlotte, home of the White Sox Triple-A Knights, followed by two weeks spent in Arizona after Cholowsky agreed to a record $10.35 million signing bonus. Tuesday’s contest marks his return to on-field game action for the first time since his season with the 52-8 UCLA Bruins concluded on May 31, although Cholowsky took part in a few Bridge League games in Arizona.

Bridge League competition produced Cholowsky’s first professional home run on Saturday, but he did not retrieve the baseball to celebrate that moment, knowing more should be coming in the next week or two. Cholowsky already sees a positive change through the brief but specific tutelage of director of hitting Ryan Fuller and other White Sox coaches.

“I’ve taken a lot of big strides just in the last couple of weeks,” Cholowsky told MLB.com. “Being able to see the output on the field is pretty cool. I’m excited to carry those at-bats with me.

“I say this is everything you dream of. But there’s a lot of stuff I dreamt of -- going to college, getting drafted and now playing professional baseball. It’s been one big dream. Being able to live it, it’s a lot of excitement coming for Tuesday. I can’t wait to get started.”

All of this excitement took root on June 8 during Cholowsky’s much-talked-about visit to Chicago. It began with a Monday dinner alongside general manager Chris Getz and assistant general manager Josh Barfield at RPM Seafood.

“It was the best food I think I ever had,” said Cholowsky with a laugh.

After being dropped off at his Gold Coast hotel, the time change from the West Coast made it tough for Cholowsky to sleep. So, he went on the now-famous walk around Chicago until around 2 a.m. He also walked around that following Tuesday, before going to Rate Field to witness Braden Montgomery’s thrilling walk-off homer to beat the Braves.

So, where exactly did Cholowsky go, emboldened with some recommendations from Barfield?

“I went to a pizza spot, about four blocks south of the Ritz [Carlton],” Cholowsky said. “I think it started with a G.”

Would that be Giordano’s on Rush?

“Yes, exactly,” Cholowsky said. “I went up on Rush, there was a little stand of juices and desserts right by the fountain, stopped there, and then there was a restaurant next to it, and I stopped in there. ... Big sign. Tavern on Rush.

“Everyone I met was super nice. I had a very good experience with the people, and I’m a big people person. Going out there and being treated nice was a big plus … Just the vibe it gave off. I explained to people it’s a cleaner, quieter New York City for me.”

Chicago’s kindness to Cholowsky has been replicated and then some by this natural leader to his Draft mates, bonding as the next White Sox generation of talent. Landon Thome, Alex Weingartner and Cole Prosek joined Cholowsky and some of his UCLA teammates at his Chandler, Ariz., home on Saturday, and during the Draft camp, Cholowsky bought the entire 25-player class dinner at Steak 48 in a memorable journey located 45 minutes from Charlotte.

Now, this next baseball step will encompass Cholowsky's life, starting tonight.

“I’m excited to be able to get these reps in before the offseason and try to finish strong,” Cholowsky said. “Get those at-bats and get adjusted to professional baseball. When I come back in February, I’m ready to go. … I’m loving it. It’s been great.”