Could UCLA's Roch Cholowsky Top the 2026 MLB Draft?

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According to the present MLB draft rules, UCLA star shortstop Roch Cholowsky is expected to remain with the Bruins throughout the 2026 college baseball season even though he would probably be chosen in the first round if he were draft-eligible this year.

This season, during his sophomore year at UCLA, Cholowsky has emerged as their top batter, maintaining a hitting average of .370 along with an impressive tally of 22 home runs and 65 RBIs across all 56 games played. Defensively, he continues to be reliable as a shortstop, having committed only six errors throughout the campaign and is expected to continue playing in this position when he transitions to professional baseball. Cholowsky received recognition for his performance and was chosen as Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalist , which goes to the nation's top player.

Last month, The author for Just Baseball, Jared Perkins, listed Cholowsky as one of three contenders likely to be selected first overall in next year’s draft, along with Justin Lebron from Alabama and Drew Burress from Georgia Tech.

What's truly remarkable is the insight gained from examining these external metrics closer," Perkins noted. "When he graduated high school, people wondered if Cholowsky would gain more strength, and he has certainly lived up to those hopes." He added, "His peak exit velocity reaches 114.1 miles per hour with an average of 87.6 mph. Additionally, his hard-hit rate places him in the 96th percentile. This showcases remarkably consistent power when pulling the ball.

UCLA Fans ought to make the most of Cholowsky’s presence over the coming 13 months since following that period, they might hear his name called during the MLB draft.

The article initially appeared on UCLA Wire: Could UCLA standout Roch Cholowsky be selected first in the 2026 MLB draft?