White Sox sign No. 1 draft pick Roch Cholowsky to $10.35 million contract

The Chicago White Sox announced that they have signed their No. 1 overall draft pick, shortstop Roch Cholowsky, to a four-year contract valued at $10.35 million. Cholowsky, a 21-year-old who played college baseball at UCLA, posted a .320/.452/.686 slash line with 23 home runs in 60 games during his junior season. Scouts note his power from the right side and a solid approach that could translate into a respectable batting average, though his speed is limited—he recorded only 14 stolen bases over three college seasons. Defensively, he is projected to remain at shortstop and is regarded as one of the most polished collegiate shortstops in recent years. Analysts consider him a strong contender for the top draft spot alongside pitcher Michael Emerson, with some viewing Emerson as the slight favorite due to age and hitting profile. The White Sox are scheduled to make their selection at 1:00 p.m. EST on Saturday.