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The Chicago White Sox have delivered a massive update regarding the status of two of the organization's top prospects.
Shortstop prospects Roch Cholowsky and Billy Carlson are both being shut down for the rest of the 2026 season, according to MLB.com's Scott Merkin. Cholowsky is dealing with a "right wrist issue," while Carlson is managing "a skin infection and ensuing treatment," according to Merkin.
For Cholowsky, this reportedly brings a quick halt to the start of his professional career. The 21-year-old was just drafted last month and made his minor league debut in early August. While Carlson joined the White Sox organization last year, this was also his first season in the minors. But now, both young infielders will seemingly focus on recovering from their injuries and preparing for 2027.
Billy Carlson and Roch Cholowsky both injured in first minor league season
Sep 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox 2025 draft pick Billy Carlson throws out a ceremonial pitch before the team's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Carlson was the White Sox's first-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of high school. The 20-year-old made his professional debut this year, mostly playing for the Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. In 60 games this season, the young shortstop posted a .252 batting average, a .380 on-base percentage, and a .715 OPS with no home runs, 21 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. He also walked 41 times and scored 37 runs in his first year in the minors.
Meanwhile, Cholowsky was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The former UCLA shortstop made his minor league debut earlier this month with the High-A Winston-Salem Dash. But he played in just nine games for Winston-Salem, going 6-for-36 at the plate with one home run, 10 RBIs, and three stolen bases.
Cholowsky and Carlson are ranked as Chicago's No. 1 and No. 3 prospects, respectively, on MLB Pipeline. With that in mind, it's not surprising that the White Sox appear to be playing the long game with their young shortstops. Both first-rounders are viewed as big pieces of Chicago's future, and they could even play alongside one another at some point.
As things stand, White Sox fans will likely be looking forward to hearing any developments the organization shares about Cholowsky and Carlson during the offseason.
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