White Sox 2026 MLB Draft Tracker Overview

First‑Round Top Prospect

Roch Cholowsky, a shortstop from UCLA, became the White Sox’ No. 1 overall pick, ending speculation that the club would deviate from the consensus choice. The 18‑year‑old arrives with an MLB‑ready bat and glove, giving Chicago a potential impact player at a position of need. Cholowsky could join the roster as early as September, providing an immediate infielder for the South Side squad.

Competitive Balance Reveal

The Sox tapped Landon Thome with the 34th pick (via the Pirates) in a Competitive Balance Round. Thome, a 2B/3B from Nazareth Academy in Illinois, was expected to fall to this slot after a trade signaled Chicago’s intent. Though his prep background was shortstop, his hitting and speed push him toward a utility role, complementing existing infield depth.

Second‑Round Surprise

Cole Prosek landed at No. 41, a pick that resembles a first‑round talent according to pre‑draft rankings. The 18‑year‑old from Magnolia Heights (Miss.) High School adds a bat‑first profile and surprisingly also played catcher this past season, giving the White Sox a versatile option. With ample bonus money, the Sox can afford to over‑pay for a player who may develop into a solid middle infielder.

Middle‑Round Arms

The Sox added Joey Volchko in the third round (No. 77), a right‑handed starter from the University of Georgia. The righty’s electric fastball touches 101 mph but lacks movement, while his breaking pitches struggle to locate strikes, making him a high‑risk, high‑reward prospect. The fourth round brought Eric Segura, a 196th‑ranked righty from Oregon State who posted a 2.22 ERA as a Beaver. Segura’s solid mechanics and improved control suggest he could evolve into a reliable rotation piece.

Relief Potential in Fifth Round

Cal Scolari, a right‑hander from Oregon, was selected at No. 137 despite a history of Tommy John surgery that sidelined his high‑school senior and college freshman seasons. His fastball tops out near 98 mph, and his mechanics hint at possible reliever duty or even a swing role when he debuts. The Sox’ll have $20,489,500 total pool to sign their first ten selections, reflecting Chicago’s commitment to building depth.

2026 Draft Landscape

This year’s draft skewed heavily toward position players, with eight of the first 20 picks being outfielders and shortstops. Only three pitchers cracked the top 20, underscoring a hitter‑focused class compared to prior years. The 2026 class is considered top‑heavy, giving teams like the White Sox a deep talent pool to target both immediate contributors and long‑term assets.

What It Means for Chicago

By securing Cholowsky at the top, the Sox address a critical infield need with a player ready for the majors. Thome adds versatility to complement rookie Jaden Fauske, while Prosek provides a valuable signing bonus surprise. The mix of arms and bats gives Chicago flexible options as they rebuild, balancing short‑term depth with long‑term prospects. With the $20 million budget and further rounds upcoming, the organization sits in a strong position to shape its future nucleus.