Latest mock suggests White Sox take 2x Big Ten Player of the Year first overall

Latest mock suggests White Sox take 2x Big Ten Player of the Year first overall originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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After years of lackluster baseball, Chicago White Sox fans finally have something to cheer about, as their team has played well above expectations this season. 

Going into Friday’s games, they hold the top spot in the American League Central with their 45-41 record, tied with the Cleveland Guardians for win percentage. 

And if that wasn’t enough, the South Siders have been awarded the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, which takes place next weekend in Philadelphia, along with the other fun All-Star activities.

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Latest mock suggests White Sox take 2x Big Ten Player of the Year first overall

Many of the early mock drafts had the White Sox taking two-time Big Ten Player of the Year award winner, UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky. Then later in the season, some thought Grady Emerson or Vahn Lackey may be the pick for the South Siders. 

However, MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo goes back to the well in his latest mock, predicting the White Sox will grab Cholowsky with their No. 1 pick. 

“There still isn’t any certainty here, and there might not be any, as teams have tended to wait until the last possible moment to make a final decision, especially if there isn’t a slam dunk choice. Cholowsky undoubtedly made strong impressions in meeting with the White Sox and other teams and if I were handicapping this right now, I’d probably go: 

Roch Cholowsky: 50 percent

Grady Emerson: 45 percent

Vahn Lackey: 5 percent.”

On paper, all three of these picks could turn out great, but that’s never a guarantee. It’s going to come down to a prep shortstop, a college shortstop, or a college catcher, and all three are coming off rather impressive seasons. 

Expect the White Sox to keep everyone else guessing until the team hears its name on the clock next Saturday. 

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