Watch Rob Manfred mispronounce No. 1 overall pick Roch Cholowsky's name at 2026 MLB Draft

Since draft analysts and scouts began releasing mock drafts for the 2026 MLB Draft, UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky had been pinned as a contender for the top pick. 

On Saturday in Philadelphia, it became official. The Chicago White Sox, enjoying a surprising season in AL Central contention, used their No. 1 overall pick in the draft on Cholowsky, adding yet another talented infielder to their organization.

While Cholowsky was seen in tears when he was announced as the first pick in the draft, that came after MLB commissioner Rob Manfred seemed to mispronounce the shortstop's name.

Here's a look at Manfred mispronouncing Cholowsky's name at the 2026 MLB Draft.

MORE: Full list of picks made at the 2026 MLB Draft

Rob Manfred mispronounces Roch Cholowsky's name at MLB Draft

While there were no player attendees at the draft in-person again this year, Manfred took the stage on Saturday afternoon to officially announce the White Sox's selection at No. 1 overall.

Cholowsky was a known contender for the pick — and Manfred went up to the microphone to make things official.

“With the first pick of the 2026 MLB Draft, the Chicago White Sox select Roch Cholowsky, a shortstop from UCLA,” Manfred said.

The problem was that, based on how Cholowsky's last name has long been pronounced at UCLA and elsewhere, Manfred said it wrong. Considering Cholowsky has been on the MLB radar for at least a year, the commissioner took some online heat for being unprepared for the moment.

Have we been all saying Roch Cholowsky’s name wrong, or did Manfred botch it? 😭 pic.twitter.com/grYvt3xM76

How do you pronounce Roch Cholowsky's name?

In UCLA baseball's media guide, Roch Cholowsky is listed as being pronounced: "Rock” “chill-OW-skee."

Manfred got the first name right, but incorrectly pronounced the last name as "chuh-LEW-skee."

Here's a clip from the moment Cholowsky was drafted and an audible correct pronunciation of his last name:

Roch Cholowsky reaction to going No. 1 overall to White Sox

Regardless of Manfred's pronunciation mistake, Cholowsky soaked it all in from home when he was announced as the No. 1 overall pick.

The shortstop, surrounded by family and friends, immediately burst into tears.