White Sox’s No. 1 pick Roch Cholowsky takes first steps in pro baseball

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 7, 2026

Roch Cholowsky, the Chicago White Sox's top pick in the 2026 MLB draft, has started his professional career with their High-A affiliate, the Winston-Salem Dash, recording his first hit and two RBIs in his first two games. The organization is optimistic about his potential and character, viewing his smooth transition to pro baseball as a promising sign for his future contributions.

Roch Cholowsky, the Chicago White Sox’s top pick in the 2026 Major League Baseball draft, has begun his professional career with the team’s High-A affiliate, the Winston-Salem Dash. The shortstop made his affiliated debut on Tuesday, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and one walk in a game against Asheville.

Cholowsky recorded his first professional hit the following day, driving in a run with a sharp grounder up the middle that was scored as an RBI double in the second inning. Over his first two games, he compiled a .125 batting average with two RBIs and two walks.

Sox general manager Chris Getz expressed optimism about Cholowsky’s potential, noting the excitement surrounding his transition into pro baseball. “He’s getting his career rolling, along with some other guys that (are) from this draft class,” Getz said during Wednesday’s remarks in Boston.

Paul Janish, the White Sox director of player development, praised Cholowsky’s character as well as his talent. Speaking Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida, Janish highlighted the rookie’s ability to integrate seamlessly with teammates despite the pressures of high expectations. “He’s obviously extremely talented,” Janish said. “There’s going to be a lot of notoriety and exposure and things that he’s going to have to deal with that he’s already dealt with to a certain degree at the college level. But the thing that sticks out is even with the expectation and everything that goes with it, the way that he just like plugs into the group and the way that guys gravitate to him. He’s got a presence to him that’s pretty special. And it’s a humble presence, if that makes sense. But a highly competitive kid.”

Cholowsky, who attended UCLA, has begun acclimating to the professional game under the guidance of White Sox manager Will Venable. Venable acknowledged the significance of the initial steps in a player’s pro career. “Really cool to kind of get going and get the pro season underway, get those first at-bats, means a lot,” he said Wednesday.

As Cholowsky continues to adjust to the rigors of professional baseball, the White Sox organization remains hopeful about his development and the contributions he could provide in the future.

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