Chicago White Sox
· 2026-07-09
Chicago White Sox scouting director Mike Shirley confirmed Saturday that the club’s No. 1 overall pick will come from a three‑player shortlist: UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Fort Worth high‑school shortstop Grady Emerson, and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. The decision arrives as the Sox sit second in the American League with a 47‑44 record, riding a two‑game winning streak, after a 0‑5 loss to Boston on July 8, 2026.
Roch Cholowsky, a 6‑2, 202‑pound right‑handed batter, posted a 1.088 OPS with 21 homers and 60 RBI at UCLA. Scouts praise his defensive range, calling him one of the most complete college shortstops of the century. He hails from Chandler, Arizona, and his father, Daniel, scouts for the Cincinnati Reds.
Grady Emerson, a 6‑3, 185‑pound left‑handed hitter, shone at Fort Worth Christian School, batting .532 as a senior and finishing second in last year’s high‑school home‑run derby at Dodger Stadium. MLB Pipeline notes his bat as his strongest tool, though his overall skill set trails behind Dallas‑area shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
Vahn Lackey, a 6‑2, 215‑pound right‑handed catcher, emerged late in his high‑school career, earning a Division I offer only after his junior year. This spring he hit .397 with 20 homers, 78 RBI and a 1.291 OPS for Georgia Tech, adding 15 stolen bases each season, a rare blend of power and speed for a catcher.
Chicago White Sox have a history of drafting versatile infielders who can shift across the diamond. Shortstops often transition to second base, third base, or even the outfield, giving the club roster flexibility. Shirley explained that the team isn’t chasing a “savior” but the player with the highest upside, regardless of position. “If you look out on that field right now, we have pieces in place,” he said, echoing GM Chris Getz’s philosophy of building around the best talent.
The No. 1 slot carries an $11.35 million signing bonus, a figure the Sox are unlikely to under‑slot. Selecting a college player like Cholowsky could fast‑track a major‑league‑ready infielder, while Emerson offers raw upside but may need more development time. Lackey brings a defensive catcher with athleticism, a rarity that could bolster the bullpen and deepen the lineup.
Shirley said a private workout with Lackey will conclude before the final decision. The club expects to announce its choice Saturday, with the draft order set for early July. Regardless of the pick, the Sox remain focused on climbing the AL standings, hoping the new talent can help sustain their recent two‑game winning streak and push the team toward a playoff berth.
The draft decision will be the latest chapter in a season that saw Chicago White Sox lose 0‑5 to Boston on July 8, 2026, yet still sit second in the league. The organization hopes the No. 1 selection will add the missing piece to keep the momentum rolling.