Roch Cholowsky, Projected as the No. 1 MLB Draft Pick by the White Sox, Embraces the Spotlight

With July’s MLB Draft fast approaching, all eyes are on Roch Cholowsky, the dynamic shortstop from UCLA, who is widely regarded as the top pick in the 2026 draft. Recognized as one of the best shortstops to come through college baseball in the past two decades, Cholowsky has become the centerpiece of a UCLA team that has the potential to claim the national championship this season. Yet, despite the growing expectations and spotlight on him, Cholowsky embraces it all with a remarkable sense of calm and focus.

Embracing Expectations and the Journey Ahead

“I enjoy expectations. I enjoy trying to go after something,” Cholowsky shared in an interview with The Associated Press. “The main goal obviously is what we’re doing with the guys here at school.” Cholowsky’s words speak to his unwavering focus on the present, as he works with his teammates to bring UCLA back to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

As the 2025 National Player of the Year, Cholowsky enters his third season with the UCLA Bruins, where he has become the most-watched college player in the country. This season, he will undoubtedly be in the spotlight, attempting to lead the Bruins to their first national title since 2013. With a prolific career already behind him, Cholowsky’s name has become synonymous with excellence in college baseball.

Mentorship and Guidance from the Past

To prepare for the pressure he will face, UCLA head coach John Savage arranged a lunch between Cholowsky and Phil Nevin, the 1992 No. 1 MLB Draft pick who played for Cal State Fullerton and went on to have a 12-year MLB career. Nevin, now a special assistant for player development with the Chicago White Sox, met with Cholowsky to discuss the similarities in their paths as top draft prospects.

“We didn’t talk too much about the White Sox or what they’re thinking about,” Cholowsky said, highlighting that the conversation focused more on their shared experiences at the same stage of their careers. Despite the limited discussion about the White Sox, the alignment between the two players was evident, with Nevin sharing his insights on navigating the day-to-day challenges of the draft year.

Nevin’s connection to the White Sox, who currently hold the No. 1 draft pick, means that Cholowsky is firmly in their sights as the potential cornerstone of their future. However, for Cholowsky, the pressure of being a projected No. 1 pick does not overshadow his commitment to helping UCLA achieve greatness this season.

Baseball Legacy: Family Influence

For Cholowsky, the guidance of his father, Dan Cholowsky, also plays a vital role in his journey. Dan was selected as the No. 39 overall pick in the 1991 MLB Draft by St. Louis and spent eight years in the minors before transitioning to a career in scouting. Roch mentioned that he and his father talk baseball every day, further reinforcing the family’s deep connection to the game and the wisdom that his father imparts on him.

From Struggles to Success: Cholowsky’s UCLA Journey

Roch Cholowsky’s story is not one of immediate success but of hard work, perseverance, and loyalty. He arrived at UCLA in 2023 as part of a highly touted recruiting class. In his first season, Cholowsky started every game and led the team with a .308 batting average. Despite the Bruins’ struggles, finishing the year with a 19-33 record, Cholowsky and his teammates did not give up.

Rather than seeking an easy way out through the transfer portal, Cholowsky, alongside his teammates, chose to stay and work through the challenges. He said, “The conversations we had were more about what we could change to turn it around rather than looking at other options and finding the easy way out.” This determination and belief in head coach John Savage’s plan became the foundation of the Bruins’ turnaround.

A Breakout Season: Setting the Stage for 2026

The 2024 season was the turning point for Cholowsky and UCLA. The Bruins finished with an impressive 48-18 record, including a 22-8 mark in their first year in the Big Ten Conference. Cholowsky emerged as one of the best players in the country, winning the Brooks Wallace Award as the nation’s top shortstop, as well as being named Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

In addition to his stellar defense, Cholowsky led UCLA in nearly every offensive category, including batting (.353), home runs (23), total bases (179), slugging percentage (.710), on-base percentage (.480), hits (89), and runs scored (80). His all-around performance made him one of the most exciting prospects in college baseball and garnered comparisons to former greats like Troy Tulowitzki, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft.

Cholowsky’s Leadership and Impact on UCLA

“We’ve had some really good shortstops here, and Roch clearly is elite — not only for his play but for his loyalty,” said Coach Savage. Cholowsky’s unselfishness and commitment to winning have set him apart as a leader for the Bruins. His emphasis on team success, rather than personal accolades, has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

In addition to his prowess on the field, Cholowsky has become a leader in the locker room, fostering camaraderie and team cohesion. Coach Savage credits Cholowsky for keeping the Bruins’ junior class together as they make one final push for a national title before many of them inevitably move on to professional baseball.

UCLA’s National Title Aspirations and Cholowsky’s Legacy

As UCLA opens the season ranked No. 1 in the nation, Cholowsky’s leadership will be crucial in their quest for a College World Series title. While draft speculation continues to swirl around him, Cholowsky remains focused on his current mission with the Bruins. He will be a player to watch in 2026, not only for his potential to be the No. 1 MLB draft pick but for his ability to lead UCLA to glory on the national stage.

As Roch Cholowsky embraces the spotlight, he continues to prove that he is more than just a highly touted prospect. He is a leader, a player of character, and someone determined to make a difference, both for UCLA and for his future professional team. The journey ahead for Cholowsky promises to be filled with excitement, challenges, and opportunities, and baseball fans across the country will be eagerly watching his every move.