The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft, banking on his elite defensive skills and high ceiling to anchor the franchise’s next championship run. Could Cholowsky be the Gold Glove shortstop and MVP candidate to lead the Southsiders back to October glory?
Host Todd Welter breaks down the organization’s bold draft strategy, including the savvy trade of Jacob Gonzalez to secure extra bonus pool money and target top Illinois prospect Landon Thome. Key topics include Cholowsky’s fit with Chicago’s long-term roster, the prospect pipeline’s future, high-upside draft picks, and how the White Sox’s front office avoided past mistakes. The conversation spotlights the team’s evolving rebuild, potential blockbuster trades, and why this draft could be the key to a World Series push by the decade’s end.
00:00 — White Sox Draft Roch Cholowsky
Introduction and reaction to the White Sox selecting Roch Cholowsky first overall, expectations, and the decision process.
12:33 — Jacob Gonzalez Trade Analysis
Discussion of the Jacob Gonzalez trade, the acquisition of the 34th overall pick, and implications for the White Sox draft strategy.
25:54 — Listener Q&A and Draft Process
Listener reactions, questions about value and process, thoughts on draft philosophy, and review of additional draft picks.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonwhitesox.supercast.com
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Amazon
This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them.
Proton
It’s easy to get started. Right now, Proton VPN is offering our listeners 70% off a two-year plan when you go to https://ProtonVPN.com/LOCKEDONMLB.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast
KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
