Chicago White Sox Select Cole Prosek in Day 1 Draft, Preview Day 2

Chicago White Sox grabbed second‑baseman Cole Prosek with the 41st overall pick on Saturday, adding a high‑school power bat to a roster that sits second in the American League with a 49‑45 record and a two‑game winning streak.

Who did the White Sox pick and why?

Mike Shirley, the club’s director of amateur scouting, highlighted Prosek’s .595 batting average and 18 homers in 41 games at Magnolia Heights High School. The left‑handed hitter earned Gatorade Mississippi Player of the Year honors and ranks No. 27 among 2026 prospects on MLB Pipeline. Shirley noted the bat’s plus‑grade 60 on the 20‑80 scale and said the Sox are “willing to take the risk for the bat speed and intent.”

Which other prospects joined the draft class?

In the third round, the Sox selected right‑hander Joey Volchko from Georgia, a player Shirley described as “a monster, big strong athletic, the makeup, the intelligence, the aptitude off the charts.” The fourth‑round pick was right‑hander Eric Segura, rounding out a day focused on versatile infield arms and high‑upside arms. All three are expected to bolster the farm system while the major‑league club chases a playoff spot.

How does this fit into Chicago White Sox’s current season?

The Sox entered the draft after a 1‑0 win over the Athletics on July 11, 2026, a tight victory that kept them on a two‑game winning streak. Adding Prosek, who can also catch and pitch at 93 mph, gives the organization depth at second, third and behind the plate—positions that have been thin due to injuries. The club’s 49‑45 record reflects a surge that could be amplified by these young tools.

What’s next for the draft and the Sox?

Day 2 begins Sunday, July 12, covering rounds five through twenty. Fans can follow the action from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET on MLB.com, MLB.TV and MLB+. The Sox plan to continue targeting multi‑position players who can slot into the lineup or provide bullpen depth. As the farm system swells, the major‑league roster may see call‑ups later in the season, especially if the infield needs reinforcement.

Why should fans care about these picks?

Prosek’s left‑handed swing and power potential could translate to a middle‑of‑order bat within a few years, while Volchko’s athletic frame offers a future starter with upside. Both fit the Sox’s strategy of building a flexible, offense‑oriented core. With the team perched near the top of the AL, these prospects could be the pieces that turn a good season into a postseason run.