Hamilton’s 2022 Team Makes MLB Draft History

Star Player Selected First Overall

The UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky became the No. 1 overall pick when the Chicago White Sox selected him on Saturday, July 11 in the 2026 draft. The choice capped a remarkable journey for the former Chandler Hamilton standout, who helped lead his high school team to a state title in 2022. Cholowsky’s ascent marks the first time a player from that championship squad has been chosen at the top of the draft.

Additional Alumni Selected in the Same Draft

On Day 2 of the draft, three more players from the 2022 Hamilton team were selected, boosting the total to six picks across the past four drafts. Kole Klecker, a right‑handed pitcher from Arizona State, went to the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round, while Rohan Lettow joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round after transferring from San Diego State. The Pirates also added Ryan Kucherak, an infielder from Northwestern, in the 15th round.

Earlier Draft Successes from the Same Class

The 2022 Hamilton squad has also seen earlier picks in recent years, extending its impact on professional baseball. Gavin Turley was taken by the Athletics in the fourth round of the 2025 draft, and Josh Tiedemann joined the New York Yankees as a 13th‑round selection in 2023. Those picks, combined with the 2026 haul, illustrate how deep the talent pool from Chandler Hamilton runs.

Championship Season Remembered

That historic 2022 team finished with a 29‑4 record and capped its season by run‑ruling Chandler 11‑1 in just five innings at the 6A state championship. The dominant performance cemented the program’s legacy and signaled the arrival of a class that would soon be recognized nationally. The state title win remains a benchmark for future Hamilton graduates and has drawn increased attention from college scouts looking for high‑caliber talent.

Rising Profile of Arizona High School Baseball

Beyond Hamilton, Arizona high school baseball continues to produce elite talent, as shown by Gilbert Campo Verde outfielder Ezekiel Zion becoming the only 2026 Arizona high school player taken in the recent 20‑round draft. Zion, selected by the Padres in the 20th round, was the 605th overall pick and adds to the state’s reputation for developing translational players. His selection highlights how Arizona’s programs are feeding directly into MLB rosters, reinforcing the state’s status as a premier breeding ground for baseball talent.

The cluster of MLB draftees from a single high school championship underscores a broader trend: top programs are investing more in player development, and scouts are rewarding early‑year performance. As more players from similar backgrounds reach the professional ranks, the pipeline for Arizona baseball looks increasingly robust, suggesting that future state champions could continue to populate Major League rosters.