Meet the Chicago White Sox 2026 MLB Draft Class

Why this weekend was big for the future of Chicago sports | Chicago Sports Tonight

Cassie Carlson is joined by The Score's Matt Spiegel and ESPN Chicago's Tyler Aki. Are the White Sox poised to continue their momentum after the All-Star break and how big was the MLB Draft for the organization's future? Also, what grade would the panel give Craig Counsell for how he's managed the Cubs during a roller coaster first half the season? Plus, did the Bulls hit a grand slam with Caleb Wilson after his monstrous Summer League debut, and why are the Bears one of the hottest tickets in Vegas right now?

It was a big day for the Chicago White Sox.

They added the No. 1 overall pick to the team's pipeline. They've also added plenty of college-age players to go along with that top pick, but still took a few players based on potential.

Here's how the White Sox's 2026 MLB Draft Class shaped up after taking Roch Cholowsky No. 1 overall.

By the numbers:

The White Sox had the first overall pick, and selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky. After plenty of debate, the White Sox fell in love with Cholowsky and the shortstop ended up falling in love with the city.

"I left the next morning and called my agent and told him that’s where I want to be and he’s got to do whatever he can to make it work," Cholowsky told reporters on Saturday. "I know that’s where I want to be, and I hope you guys feel the same way about me."

Cholowsky will officially join a pipeline that made Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery and more into major league players.

"I fell in love with the city while I was out there and very excited to get back," Cholowsky said.

After Cholowsky, the White Sox addressed most of their draft by selecting college players.

Here's how the White Sox's draft class looks by the numbers:

Of the 19 player selections, 16 players from the college ranks.
Three selections were from high school, including the two in the top three rounds.
The White Sox selected nine pitchers, eight of which are right-handed pitchers.
The White Sox also drafted six infielders, and five outfielders.