White Sox Take UCLA's Roch Cholowsky No. 1 as Manfred Fumbles Pronunciation
The first 135 picks of the 2026 MLB Draft are complete, headlined by a memorable gaffe from the commissioner.
The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the first overall pick of the 2026 MLB Draft, and the moment was overshadowed by Commissioner Rob Manfred botching the pronunciation of his name on stage, according to Fox News and ESPN.
The draft's opening day wrapped with 135 picks in the books, according to ESPN, which is compiling its rundown of winners, losers and prospects to watch heading into Day 2.
Manfred's mispronunciation of Cholowsky's name instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the draft's first day, drawing widespread attention on social media and among fans following the selection, Fox News reported.
Attention now turns to the draft's remaining rounds, with clubs continuing to fill out their farm systems in the days ahead.
— Compiled from reporting by ESPN and Fox News.