What happened: Analyst Shooter Hunt slotted the shortstop to the Chicago White Sox at the top of the draft order. High school shortstop Grady Emerson goes second overall to the Tampa Bay Rays, while Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey lands third with the Minnesota Twins. UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora and Jacob Lombard complete the top five for the Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Why it matters: Cholowsky provides premium defensive value and power potential at a critical position for a rebuilding franchise. The early run on college and prep middle infielders highlights the organizational focus on up-the-middle talent in this class.
By the numbers: Cholowsky hit 21 home runs during his 2026 season at UCLA. Flora posted a 12-0 record with a 1.06 ERA and 133 strikeouts across 102 innings during his junior season at UC Santa Barbara.
What to watch: The 2026 MLB Draft begins on July 11.