White Sox Select UCLA Shortstop Roch Cholowsky With No. 1 Overall Pick
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Chicago looks to the former Golden Spikes finalist to help anchor a roster that has recently endured three consecutive 100-loss seasons.
The Chicago White Sox used the first overall pick in the MLB Draft to select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, according to Sportsnet. The selection marks the first time Chicago has held the top pick since 1977.
Cholowsky, a right-handed hitter and Big Ten Player of the Year, entered the draft as a Golden Spikes finalist. During his junior season at UCLA, he recorded a 1.088 OPS with 60 RBIs and 21 home runs. White Sox general manager Chris Getz stated that Cholowsky has exceeded high expectations and is a leader both in the clubhouse and on the field.
Despite the franchise's recent history of three straight 100-loss seasons, the White Sox entered Saturday in first place in the AL Central. The organization views Cholowsky as a future star capable of leading the team to its first World Series title since 2005. Cholowsky noted that joining a contending team provides significant motivation.
In addition to the top pick, the White Sox selected Nazareth Academy infielder Landon Thome with the 34th overall pick. Thome is the son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome.