Grading the White Sox 5 day 1 2026 MLB Draft selections

The Chicago White Sox had five selections during day one of the 2026 MLB Draft. This includes four selections in the top 100, featuring No.1 overall, No. 34, which was a Competitive Balance Round-A pick recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Jacob Gonzalez trade, No.41, and No.77. Their lone selection outside of the top 100 came in the fourth round, at No.105.

Later today, July 12, the remaining rounds in MLB’s draft, rounds 5-20, will take place. However, here we evaluate each of the five selections from day one.

Grading the Chicago White Sox five day one 2026 MLB Draft selections

No.1 (Round 1): Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

To little surprise, Roch Cholowsky was taken first overall by the White Sox. Cholowsky is viewed as a generational five tool talent, evidenced by his standout performances across three years at UCLA. Over his college career, he posted a 1.072 OPS, walked (105) more times than he struck out (100), and has two 20+ home runs seasons. This, combined with the fact he is expected to sign under the $11,350,600 slot value gives this selection an A+ grade.

No. 34 (Comp Balance A): Landon Thome, INF, Nazareth Academy

Landon Thome is the son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome, who spent the 2006-2009 seasons as a member of the White Sox. Although MLB Pipeline gifts Thome a 55 grade power, something his father was known for as he hit 612 home runs throughout his career, the left-handed hitter had just seven home runs his senior season. Rather, Thome stole 49 bases last High School season, so how his speed translates to the professional game will be worth monitoring. ESPN had Thome ranked No.67 on their pre-draft rankings, and he’ll likely sign close to slot value, giving this selection an overall grade of an A-, especially given he comes from a baseball family.

No. 41 (Round 2): Cole Prosek, INF, Magnolia Heights HS

Cole Prosek is the third infielder selected by the White Sox to begin the 2026 MLB Draft. The Mississippi standout was ranked No.27 on MLB Pipeline’s pre-draft rankings. His hit tool is his calling card, along with power, as he hit 18 home runs over 41 games his senior year at Mangolia Heights. This school also produced Cooper Pratt, who recently made his MLB Debut with the Milwaukee Brewers. Getting Porsek at No.41 could be a major steal for Chicago, giving this pick an A grade.

No. 77 (Round 3): Joey Volchko, P, Georgia

After having ERA’s in the five’s and sixes through two years at Standford, right-hander Joey Volchko found more success in 2026 at Georgia. Over 18 starts he posted a 3.68 ERA and struck out 119 batters over 95 innings pitched. MLB Pipeline gave him a 60-grade fastball and slider, giving him two plus pitches to work with. This pick isn’t a home run, but there are good traits for Chicago to work with. This pick earns a B – for grade.

No. 105 (Round 4): Eric Segura, P, Oregon State

Eric Seguara is a sinker baller from Oregon State who throws a ton of strikes. The right-hander walked just 27 batters in 2026, posting 3.3 B:9 ratio. He has some swing and miss in his game. Segura struck out 82 batters over 73 innings this year, while posting a nice 2.22 ERA. Chicago figures to have a strong infield for years to come, thus making Segura a good fit in this organization. We give this a grade of a B for the White Sox.

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