The No. 1 selection in this year’s MLB Draft, UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, has passed his physical and will sign with the White Sox with a record-setting signing bonus of $10.35 million (the slot value for the pick was $11,350,600), a source told MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis.
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Cholowsky’s bonus eclipses the $9.3 million bonuses given to Reds right-hander Chase Burns and Rockies outfield prospect Charlie Condon when they were drafted in 2024.
Cholowsky, 21, was considered by some to be the best all-around college shortstop available in the Draft since Troy Tulowitzki in 2005. With his 6-foot-2, 202-pound frame and advanced skillset at the plate, Cholowsky produced a .329/.447/.624 slash line with 52 home runs over 178 games for UCLA.
According to MLB Pipeline, Cholowsky is also a plus defender at shortstop with a strong arm, giving him a good chance to stay at that position at the next level.
The White Sox liked Cholowsky from the start, eyeing him as a potential No. 1 overall pick after winning the Draft lottery last year. The feeling was mutual.
“I … called my agent and told him that’s where I want to be and he’s got to do whatever he can to make it work,” Cholowsky said after becoming the ninth college shortstop selected among the top three picks in the Draft since its inception in 1965. “ … I fell in love with the city while I was out there and very excited to get back.”
As the White Sox continue to surprise in 2026, entering the All-Star break tied with the Guardians atop the American League Central standings, the organization’s shortstop corps is deep.
Prior to taking Cholowsky first overall on Saturday, the White Sox already featured Colson Montgomery as their Major League starter at the position, as well as Caleb Bonemer, the No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 16 overall, Billy Carlson (No. 4 White Sox, No. 58 overall), Kyle Lodise (No. 8), William Bergolla Jr. (No. 9) and Javier Mogollon (No. 11).
“It’s awesome,” Cholowsky said. “I know I’m not going straight to the big leagues, there’s a lot of work that needs to be put in. But seeing how well the team at the top is doing and the moves they're making, the way they’re playing, it’s definitely a lot more motivation to get up there and join those guys at some point.”