Bold start: Cholowsky’s hot start proves why he’s the top name to watch in the 2026 draft, and the proof just keeps piling up. The UCLA shortstop, widely regarded as the No. 1 Draft prospect for 2026, delivered his first multi-homer game of the season in the Bruins’ 13-5 victory over Tulane, underscoring why expectations are through the roof as he enters his junior year.
Cholowsky also added a double and a walk, lifting his season slash line to an impressive .438/.500/.1.188 after four games. With six of his seven hits this season going for extra bases, including three home runs, his power and contact ability look like a dangerous combination early on.
Measuring 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, the two-way athlete combines elite physical tools with proven production. Beyond his baseball gifts, he was a standout quarterback in high school, a reminder of the athletic versatility that often translates into big-time performance on the diamond. He enters 2026 as one of the most anticipated preseason prospects in years, possessing four 60-grade tools and a track record of high-end production that makes him a centerpiece for UCLA.
Last season, Cholowsky led all underclassmen with 23 homers and posted a 1.190 OPS, ranking among the nation’s best. This year, he’s positioned to carry an even larger leadership role as UCLA is ranked No. 1 in D1Baseball.com’s Top 25 college baseball rankings, signaling the Bruins’ status as a national favorite.
Cholowsky noted on the MLB Pipeline Podcast how many scouts attend intrasquad scrimmages—"30-40 out there sometimes," with 11-12 draft-eligible players who are incredibly talented. He pointed to the depth around him, including several peers who can truly play at a high level, highlighting the team’s potential as a collective force rather than a one-man show.
A key teammate in that mix is first baseman Mulivai Levu, a California native ranked No. 94 in MLB’s Draft prospects. Levu and Cholowsky form a potent middle-of-the-lineup duo, as Levu contributed four hits and three RBIs in the Tulane win, underscoring UCLA’s depth and balance.
Looking ahead, Cholowsky’s name figures to be near the top of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 once the draft selections begin, and his early returns certainly justify that elevated standing. UCLA’s next test comes Friday as they kick off a three-game weekend series against TCU, a series that should provide another early gauge of how far this Bruins club can go this season.
