Roch Cholowsky signs record $10.35 million bonus after being No. 1 pick by Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Within days, Cholowsky agreed to a rookie contract that includes a $10.35 million signing bonus, the largest ever awarded to a draft pick and slightly below the slot value of $11.35 million.

Cholowsky, 21, posted a .320 batting average with 21 home runs, 60 RBIs and a 1.088 OPS in 60 games for UCLA in 2026, making him the most polished collegiate shortstop in a decade. His bonus surpasses the previous record of $9.25 million set in 2024. The under‑slot deal gives the White Sox roughly $1 million of bonus‑pool savings to use on other draftees.

After signing, Cholowsky threw the first pitch at a White Sox game, and his father Dan noted his excitement about moving to Chicago. The selection marks a milestone for the UCLA program, being the first Bruin taken in the top 15 since 2011 and the highest‑drafted position player in school history.