**BREAKING NEWS: WHITE SOX SECURE NO. 1 PICK IN 2026 MLB DRAFT LOTTERY**
The Chicago White Sox have emerged as the winners of Major League Baseball’s highly anticipated Draft Lottery, clinching the coveted No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2026 draft. This marks only the third time in franchise history that the White Sox will have the opportunity to make the top selection, with the last instance dating back to 1977 when they picked Harold Baines.
Introduced as part of the 2022-27 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the draft lottery now plays a crucial role in determining the top six picks, with specific regulations in place based on teams’ revenue sharing status. Previous lottery winners include the likes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Guardians, and Washington Nationals, who each added promising talents to their rosters.
Amidst the excitement of securing the top pick, fans and analysts are already speculating on who the White Sox might choose to lead their draft class. While the full preseason rankings are set for release in February, here are five standout contenders who are currently on the radar as potential No. 1 picks:
**1. Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA**
Regarded as a front-runner for the top spot, Cholowsky has showcased his prowess as an athletic shortstop with impressive offensive numbers. Boasting a stellar .353 batting average along with notable power and speed, Cholowsky’s well-rounded skill set positions him as a top prospect. With a background that includes being recruited as a quarterback by Notre Dame, he stands poised to follow in the footsteps of UCLA alumni like Gerrit Cole.
**2. Grady Emerson, SS, Argyle HS (TX)**
Hailing from Argyle High School, Emerson is set to make history as the second player from his alma mater to enter the MLB draft. With his potential to dominate on the field, Emerson’s path to the top of the draft class is becoming increasingly evident. Keep an eye on this rising star as he aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming draft.
As the baseball world eagerly anticipates the White Sox’s selection for the No. 1 pick, stay tuned for more updates and insights leading up to the 2026 MLB Draft. The countdown to draft day has officially begun, and the possibilities are endless.
