White Sox Watch: Likely No. 1 Pick Roch Cholowsky Explodes for Two Home Runs in Statement Performance
Chicago White Sox fans may want to keep their excitement in check.
But that is becoming increasingly difficult.
Roch Cholowsky, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft, continues to perform like a future franchise cornerstone.
And on Tuesday night against Tulane, he delivered another reminder of why evaluators across baseball are so high on his ceiling.
The UCLA star shortstop launched two home runs in a single game.
They were not cheap shots.
They were authoritative statements.
Even more impressive, they came to opposite fields.
First Inning Spark Ignites UCLA
With the No. 1 ranked Bruins trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning, Cholowsky stepped to the plate looking to shift momentum.
After Dean West popped out for the inning’s first out, Tulane pitcher J.D. Rodriguez challenged the shortstop.
It took only one pitch.
Cholowsky crushed a no-doubt home run over the left field wall.
The swing was compact.
The contact was loud.
The reaction from the dugout was immediate.
In a matter of seconds, UCLA’s deficit shrank and the energy inside the ballpark shifted.
For White Sox evaluators watching closely, it was another example of how quickly Cholowsky can change a game.
Opposite Field Power on Full Display
Later in the fourth inning, Cholowsky returned to the plate with a runner in scoring position and the count at 2-2.
Tulane attempted to elevate a pitch.
Cholowsky stayed back.
He drove the ball the other way.
The result was a towering two-run homer to opposite field.
The blast gave UCLA an 8-4 lead and showcased perhaps the most impressive trait in his offensive arsenal.
Power to all fields.
Many young sluggers can pull mistakes.
Few possess the bat speed, balance, and plate coverage to drive premium velocity the other way with authority.
Cholowsky’s second home run underscored why scouts project his bat to translate seamlessly to professional baseball.
Respect From Opponents Speaks Volumes
Between the two home runs, Tulane made a telling decision.
They intentionally walked Cholowsky.
They preferred loading the bases rather than allowing him another swing.
That respect from opposing coaching staffs is significant.
It signals fear.
It signals preparation built around avoiding damage.
The strategy backfired when Mulivai Levu promptly delivered a two-run knock.
Even without a bat in his hands, Cholowsky influenced the inning.
Elite prospects change games even when they are not swinging.
Living Up to the No. 1 Overall Pick Hype
Through just four games in 2026, Cholowsky already has three home runs.
His first blast came on Valentine’s Day against UC San Diego.
The early production builds on a dominant 2025 campaign.
Last season, he smashed 23 home runs across 66 games.
He posted a staggering slash line of .353/.480/.710.
He drove in 74 runs.
He walked away as Baseball America’s Player of the Year.
He also topped their list of draft prospects entering this spring.
Offense alone would make him elite.
But Cholowsky’s defensive profile may be equally compelling.
He earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He secured an ABCA Rawlings Gold Glove.
At shortstop, one of baseball’s most demanding positions, his instincts, footwork, and arm strength project as long-term assets.
That blend of power, patience, speed, and defense defines a five-tool player.
What This Means for the White Sox
The MLB Draft is still months away.
But barring a dramatic shift in evaluations or unforeseen circumstances, the White Sox are trending toward selecting Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick.
If that scenario unfolds, he would instantly become the organization’s most exciting prospect in years.
Perhaps even the highest-upside player in the system this decade.
For a franchise seeking a transformative building block, Cholowsky’s trajectory could not be more encouraging.
He combines elite offensive production with premium defensive value.
He demonstrates poise beyond his years.
He commands respect from opponents already.
While Chicago must avoid getting ahead of itself, the signs are unmistakable.
Roch Cholowsky looks every bit like a future star.
And if this hot start is any indication, White Sox fans may soon have a new face of the franchise to rally behind.
