Meet Roch Cholowsky: UCLA Shortstop and 2026 MLB Draft 1.1 Candidate

Roch Cholowsky doesn’t need the hype. Most already know what he brings to the field, and it’s that quiet conviction, paired with a relentless drive, that has made him a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

His story is one of patience, competition, and loyalty, and it’s why he’s become one of the most complete players in college baseball.

Growth as a Player

Growing up in Chandler, Arizona, Cholowsky was surrounded by talent at Hamilton High School, where competing against future Division I and professional players was the norm. He wasn’t just a baseball star either; he doubled as the team’s quarterback on Friday nights.

“My parents never held me to one sport growing up,” he said. “It was always just playing whatever was in season. Football really helped me athletically and leadership-wise, because nothing works if all the guys aren’t on the same page.”

That background prepared him for UCLA, though the transition wasn’t seamless.

“I struggled my first two months. I don’t think I was anywhere north of .220 for the first two, two and a half months of my freshman year,” he admitted.

Instead of chasing shortcuts, he leaned on his father’s advice: “My dad always made it a point to tell me power was going to come. I just tried to make the most fluid, comfortable swing and stick with it, not let not hitting homers as an 18-year-old affect my confidence.”

By his sophomore year, Cholowsky had broken out, slugging over 20 home runs while solidifying himself as the anchor of UCLA’s infield. His defensive growth came from countless hours with assistant coach David Berg, refining his mechanics to match his natural instincts.

The result was a player who could impact the game in every facet.

Building a Brotherhood and Something Special at UCLA

After his incredible sophomore year, he, like most of his teammates, stayed at UCLA.

What separates him and the rest of this UCLA team is the bond they’ve built. In an era when the transfer portal has turned rosters into revolving doors, UCLA’s core stayed intact. A lot of that has to do with their Head Coach John Savage.

“He’s just a very honest guy. He sticks to his word,” Cholowsky said of Savage. “You have a chance to play if you perform. That’s why no one left after freshman year. A lot of high-touted guys don’t play right away and then transfer, but we didn’t have a single kid leave.”

The bond and relationship they’ve built over the years have become a huge part of Cholowsky’s life and a reason why this Bruins team has found tons of success.

“The kids I came in with my freshman year, those are my best friends,” he said. “They’ll be at my wedding one day. We’ll go on golf trips in 20 years. That’s how close we are.”

The Continued Rise Over the Summer

The baseball world continued to take notice after his incredible season when Cholowsky suited up for Team USA. Facing the nation’s best, he stood out as one of the top performers. Surrounded by future first-rounders, he didn’t just hold his own, he stood out.

“There’s talent everywhere,” he said. “We don’t really get the opportunity to play a bunch of those guys. A lot of them come from ACC and SEC programs, and we try to stay on the West Coast. But I was really impressed with a lot of guys out there. It just made me want to work that much harder to try and separate myself.”

Cholowsky didn’t come away intimidated. Instead, he studied the players he admired most.

“I’ve said it before, I’m a big fan of Drew Burress. I love his approach in the box. He doesn’t switch up for any pitchers. He’s always gonna try and get his ace swing off. And he plays a great outfield. He was a guy that I was a big fan of, and then Ace Reese too,” he explained.

That experience gave him confidence and perspective. Facing off against hitters and pitchers who would soon headline the draft, he wasn’t just part of the group, he was one of the leaders.

Finding Passions Off the Field

Despite the draft buzz, Cholowsky finds ways to stay grounded.

On Wednesdays or Thursdays, you’ll catch him at the driving range, using golf as a mental reset. “Not thinking about my swing is when I’m at my best in the box,” he said.

He’s also fiercely loyal to West Coast food staples. “I’m a huge In-N-Out fan. That’s the go-to spot after our games. I’ll die by In-N-Out,” he laughed.

And if you’re at Jackie Robinson Stadium, you’ll hear him walk up to the same song he’s had since freshman year: Mase’s Feel So Good. “I wanted to switch it, but I’m very superstitious. I can’t switch it now,” he admitted.

Looking Toward the 2026 Season

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that UCLA has the pieces to play on the biggest stage. Cholowsky and the Bruins made their way to Omaha, and though their run ended earlier than they hoped, the experience reshaped their mindset heading into 2026.

“It didn’t even feel real until we got on the field in Omaha,” Cholowsky said. “Those four or five days after we got there just didn’t really feel real.”

That taste of the College World Series has fueled a different level of urgency this offseason. For Cholowsky, it’s about raising the bar, not just for himself, but for everyone in the locker room.

“Now we’ve got 30 guys in the locker room that have been to Omaha and won a game there,” he explained. “That experience is going to help us this year.”

UCLA enters 2026 older, tougher, and battle-tested. What was once a young, talented roster has matured into a group of juniors and upperclassmen who know what it takes to get through the grind of regionals and super regionals.

Cholowsky embraces his role in guiding the next wave of Bruins into that culture. “I treat them how I wanted to be treated as a freshman,” he said. “Just answering questions, hanging out off the field, building those bonds early, it matters.”

For Cholowsky, Omaha isn’t just a dream anymore. It’s an expectation. The first trip was proof that the program is back among college baseball’s elite. The next step is to finish the job.

Conclusion

An elite bat, smooth defender, and leadership forged have already made Roch Cholowsky one of the most complete players in college baseball. Add in a loyalty to teammates and to UCLA that feels almost old-school in today’s transfer era, and you get a shortstop who’s as rare as he is talented.

For UCLA, he’s the heartbeat of a program chasing its national championship dreams. For big-league clubs, he’s the kind of cornerstone talent you build a franchise around.

And when the 2026 MLB Draft begins, don’t be surprised if Roch Cholowsky is the first name called, a player ready not just to meet the moment, but to define it.

Apple: Listen here!

Spotify: Listen here!