| Player: Roch Cholowsky | |||||||||||
| School: UCLA | Position(s): SS | ||||||||||
| Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 202 lbs. | Bats: Right | Throws: Right | ||||||||
| Summary: Cholowsky’s decision to bypass the draft out of high school and attend UCLA looks like it will pay off well this summer. With many draft projections having him as the 1st overall in the MLB draft, Roch has proved to the world he is legitimately ready for the next level. The 2025 Big 10 Player of The Year is a defensive hub in the infield and a heart-of-the-order catalyst for the most potent lineup in college baseball. All of the makings of a big league shortstop appear in his profile: a former QB in High School, the son of a former Minor League player (8 MiLB seasons) and Major League scout, and an athletic 6’2” frame with good size and fluid movements. His defensive prowess anchors his value at the professional level. Cholowsky is a very capable shortstop with a controlled approach to the baseball, advanced timing and feel in the field, and a quick-release arm talent with QB-level precision. His defensive instincts and leadership relieve pressure on the infielders around him, knowing he will be in the right spot and make all of the tough plays. Roch’s offensive profile is what has really caused his stock to soar over the past year, posting a .710 SLG% with 23 Home Runs in his Sophomore season. The raw power he has already shown and his projection to build on it has really excited organizations picking early in 2026. His swings are deliberate and direct, loading his hands quickly and coiling into his rear leg before he transitions to contact. A smooth right-handed swing featuring a compact bat path helps him get to contact more often than not, and with his pitch selection and vision at the plate, he is able to make pitchers pay on mistakes that catch too much of the zone. Drives the ball against velocity and sliders with lateral break well; off-speed pitches with vertical depth, less so. Of all his talents as a batter, I see his ability to barrel up good pitching consistently as the most outstanding. The pull-side power may or may not translate to the next level; however, his barrel feel and offensive approach will remain elite and can play at any level. It’s hard to make a case for the Bruin not to go first overall. We have seen athletic young middle infielders dominate the draft and fast-track through the Minor Leagues recently, and he could be the very latest candidate to do so. | |||||||||||
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