Roch Cholowsky has been acclaimed as perhaps the finest shortstop in college baseball in the past 20 years, standing out as the keystone of a UCLA team primed to contend for a national championship. As the 2025 Major League Baseball amateur draft approaches in July, Cholowsky remains firmly projected as the top overall pick, embodying both immense talent and leadership.
Embracing the weight of expectations, Cholowsky focused on his immediate goal with UCLA.
“I enjoy expectations. I enjoy trying to go after something,”
he said in an interview with The Associated Press.
“The main goal obviously is what we’re doing with the guys here at school.”
Setting the Stage: Cholowsky’s Leadership and National Spotlight
As he begins his third collegiate season, Cholowsky carries the honor of being named the 2025 national player of the year by multiple outlets. Starting the season at home against UC San Diego, he is expected to be the most scrutinized player in college baseball over the next four months. Cholowsky’s mission is clear: guide UCLA back to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, continuing the Bruins’ prestigious baseball tradition.
Understanding the significance of this pivotal year, UCLA’s head coach, John Savage, arranged for Cholowsky to meet with Phil Nevin, the No. 1 MLB draft pick in 1992, for guidance. Nevin’s experience as a top pick and veteran of both playing and coaching in the majors provided valuable perspective. Nevin also serves on the Chicago White Sox front office, who hold the first overall pick this year.
The conversation between Nevin and Cholowsky focused on their shared experiences and approaches during their draft years, rather than specifics about the White Sox’s plans. Cholowsky confirmed,
“We didn’t talk too much about the White Sox or what they’re thinking about.”
Family Influence and Daily Baseball Conversations
Roch Cholowsky’s baseball insights extend beyond college coaching to his family, particularly his father Dan Cholowsky. Dan was a 1991 MLB draft pick (No. 39 overall by St. Louis), with a background playing second and third base at California and eight years in the minor leagues before moving into scouting. Roch points to the ongoing role his father plays in his baseball education: they discuss the game every day.
UCLA’s Resurgence Under Cholowsky’s Leadership
Hailing from Chandler, Arizona, Cholowsky joined UCLA in 2023 as part of a highly regarded recruiting class. Despite the Bruins’ difficult debut season with a 19-33 record, Cholowsky’s steady presence was a bright spot as he started all games and led the team with a .308 batting average. Amid adversity, he and his teammates resisted abandoning the program for transfer portals, choosing instead to stay committed to coach Savage’s vision. Cholowsky explained,
“The conversations we had were more about what we could change to turn it around rather than looking at other options and finding the easy way out.”
UCLA responded impressively last year, finishing 48-18 overall and 22-8 in their inaugural season in the Big Ten Conference. The Bruins powered through regionals and super regionals to reach the College World Series, where they recorded a 1-2 result.
Achievements and Accolades Highlight Cholowsky’s Talent
Cholowsky’s exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Brooks Wallace Award as the nation’s top shortstop, along with both Big Ten player of the year and defensive player of the year honors. Leading the Bruins statistically, he batted .353 with 23 home runs, 179 total bases, a .710 slugging percentage, a .480 on-base percentage, 89 hits, and 80 runs scored. Some scouts regard him as the most complete college shortstop since Troy Tulowitzki, the 2005 No. 7 overall pick.
John Savage praised Cholowsky not only for his athletic excellence but also for his character and dedication:
“We’ve had some really good shortstops here, and Roch clearly is elite — not only for his play but for his loyalty.”
He added,
“He’ll do anything to win. He’s very unselfish, not really caring who gets the credit. Obviously there’s a lot of hype around him and a lot of stories and so forth. He understands team and he understands the progression of what a good team has to go through.”
UCLA’s Championship Aspirations Rely Heavily on Cholowsky’s Role
The Bruins open the season ranked No. 1 by Baseball America and D1Baseball.com, with much of their optimism tied to Cholowsky’s leadership. Savage credits him for keeping the core group of juniors focused on one final championship push before many move on to professional baseball careers.
Describing Cholowsky as “an exceptional clubhouse guy,” Savage emphasized his star player’s work ethic and impact:
“His makeup, his leadership, his body of work in terms of his work ethic in the weight room, drills, practice, meetings… It’s all about winning with him. Whenever you have your best player as one of the best workers, that’s giving the right message day in and day out and makes life much easier.”
The Road Ahead: Impact and Expectations of the 2025 Season and MLB Draft
As the 2025 college baseball season kicks off, the intensity surrounding Roch Cholowsky continues to build, both as a collegiate leader and a prospective No. 1 MLB draft pick. His progress will not only influence UCLA’s quest for a national title but also shape the expectations of the organization likely to select him this summer. Cholowsky’s commitment to his teammates and his relentless pursuit of excellence forecast a promising future for the young shortstop, while keeping college baseball fans eager to witness his journey.
