Scouting grades 20–80
60Hit
60Power
50Run
65Field
60Arm
A highly regarded draft prospect out of Chandler, Arizona, Cholowsky had a chance to be a first round pick out of high school, but instead decided to take his talents to UCLA. Since stepping on campus he hasn't skipped a beat. Over the past three years, Cholowsky has transformed into what some consider the best college shortstop we've seen in recent memory. It's hard to find as complete of an amateur prospect.
Cholowsky was known mostly as a contact-first bat out of high school, but has shown added impact each year he’s been in college, the result of added mass and strength. Cholowsky shows legitimate feel to pull and lift the baseball, and with improved exit velocities as he’s physically matured and strong feel for the barrel, Cholowsky looks like a guy who could eventually age into 25+ homerun output. His swing doesn't present many holes either. It's a compact right handed stroke with bat speed and a barrel that stays through the zone for a prolonged period of time with present adjustability. Critics of the operation will point to an arm bar Cholowsky features at the peak of his leg kick, and also to the fact that his performance against Friday night arms was mediocre in 2026. Still, given Cholowsky's track-record of hitting dating back to his high school days, it's easy to envision him developing into a plus hit, plus power threat at the next level.
At shortstop, Cholowsky is as good as it gets. He works low to the ground with refined actions, flashing great lateral range and a strong internal clock. It's smooth, quick hands and advanced footwork, making even the hard, flashy play look routine. There is a plus arm here as well, as Cholowsky can throw from multiple angles, on the run, with strong carry on his throws. The athleticism at shortstop stands out, contributing to what most see as almost certainly a plus defender at the position. Cholowsky has a chance to contend for a gold glove during the peaks of his pro career.
Cholowsky has the looks of a guy who could rise quickly through the minors, hit in the middle of an order and play a premium position at an elite level. The floor here is a big league regular, with the potential for a 5 WAR shortstop. It doesn't get much better than that.
