White Sox Narrow 2026 No. 1 Pick to Three Names. Here’s Who They Are.

The Chicago White Sox are on the clock for the 2026 MLB Draft, and after months of speculation, the front office has essentially whittled it down to three players. Mike Shirley, the team’s vice president of amateur scouting, told reporters Wednesday that the organization is actively discussing shortstops Roch Cholowsky and Grady Emerson, plus catcher Vahn Lackey, as the top pick. The draft starts Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. EST.

Shirley didn’t tip his hand beyond that. But he made it clear the decision isn’t locked in yet.

“The Cholowsky/Emerson conversation. The Vahn Lackey conversation,” Shirley said, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. “These are real. They are happening. They are happening up to the minute.”

The Shortstop Options

Cholowsky just finished a season at UCLA, where he played shortstop and hit with enough power to get scouts talking. He’s ranked No. 2 overall among draft-eligible prospects, but some evaluators think his defensive range, arm strength, and pop at the plate make him worthy of the top spot. It’s a classic case of a college bat being polished enough to jump a high schooler in the final rankings.

Emerson is that high schooler. He’s also a shortstop, and he’s widely considered the best infield defender in this class. He originally committed to Texas before declaring for the draft. His glove is the selling point, but there are questions about how quickly his bat will adjust to pro pitching. Still, the ceiling is high.

The Wild Card Behind the Plate

Lackey is the No. 1 catching prospect in the draft, and he’s a different kind of player entirely. At 21, his defense is already polished — he can frame, block, and throw with authority. But what really stands out is the versatility. During his time at Georgia Tech, he played eight different positions in a single game. That kind of athleticism is rare for a catcher, and it gives the White Sox flexibility if they decide to move him around later.

For a team that’s been rebuilding on the fly, taking the most versatile player available might be the smartest move. Or they could go with the surest college bat. Either way, the clock is ticking.

The first four rounds happen Saturday. Rounds 5 through 20 go down Sunday. Chicago will announce the pick when they’re ready, but all signs point to one of these three names.