Shortstop Roch Cholowsky, the first overall selection in last weekend’s MLB Draft, is set to receive a historic $10.35 million signing bonus from the Chicago White Sox, according to a Monday report from MLB.com.
Although the figure falls short of the $11.35 million slot value assigned to the top pick, it still stands as the largest signing bonus ever handed out in Major League Baseball history. The previous record was shared by Chase Burns and Charlie Condon, who each signed for $9.25 million as the No. 2 and No. 3 picks in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Cholowsky, 21, had long been discussed as a future top draft prospect throughout his college career at UCLA. Over three seasons and 178 games with the Bruins, he posted a .329 batting average and a .448 on-base percentage, while clubbing 52 home runs and driving in 167 runs. He also showed exceptional plate discipline, drawing more walks — 105 — than he had strikeouts, which totaled 100.
The young shortstop is considered a likely fast-mover through Chicago’s farm system and could find himself in the big leagues as early as next season. He joins a White Sox organization that has turned things around dramatically, sitting at 50-45 heading into the All-Star break after suffering 100-plus loss seasons in each of the past three years.
