One UCLA player takes home Big Ten player of the year award

He had a fantastic season and earned the honor of being named Big Ten player of the year.
The stadium reflects off of a fan’s glasses. Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The stadium reflects off of a fan’s glasses. Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images | Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

UCLA baseball's success this season was a team effort, but one player stood out above the others.

Roch Cholowsky, a sophomore at UCLA, has earned the prestigious title of Big Ten Baseball Player of the Year for 2025. The Big Ten Conference announced its postseason awards as the Bruins begin Big Ten Tournament play. Cholowsky also earned the title of Best Defensive Player in the Big Ten.

The Bruins, fresh off their Big Ten regular season title, secured many victories thanks to Cholowsky's outstanding performance throughout the season. His remarkable statistics highlight his significant contributions to the team's offensive and defensive efforts.

Cholowsky posted a .371 batting average, outpacing every other player on the Bruins roster. He knocked in 63 runs and launched 20 home runs. With a .511 on-base percentage and a 1.274 OPS, it was evident that he stood out as the top player in the Big Ten.

Cholowsky also played a crucial role in UCLA's defense as a shortstop. He helped execute 41 double plays, which is an impressive statistic. With a catching percentage of .981, his defensive stats were exceptional as well. His nation-leading 5.85 WAR showcases Cholowsky's overall value.

Along with his Big Ten acknowledgements and awards, he has also received national recognition.

Some are even predicting that he may be the top pick in the upcoming MLB draft.