​Since this is my final pre-draft article, I want to take a moment to lay out what I’d like to see from the Braves in this year’s draft class. The organization has a rare chance to add meaningful talent over the weekend, with selections at the top of the first round and again at 26, thanks to Drake Baldwin’s Prospect Promotion Incentive pick for winning NL Rookie of the Year. Starting with pick 9, my preference is for an underslot selection. There doesn’t appear to be a clear, high-value target at the #9 slot that I’d be willing to pay for at or above slot, given a tier drop-off after the top six players and the lack of a clean prep archetype or college player without red flags in that range. With that in mind, Gio Rojas, a prep left-handed pitcher, stands out as my preferred underslot pick at #9.
Beyond that, I’d like the Braves to spread the money around and target several high-upside players the organization believes they can develop. The team has shown a knack for maximizing pitchers who haven’t spent extensive time refining their craft—whether because they split time between pitching and hitting or pursued another sport—and I’d love to see that approach continue. It would be great to grab a handful of players with real upside, including a few position players who could contribute in time, if possible. This draft has the potential to be one of the most exciting in years for Atlanta, with multiple avenues to add talent and depth to the farm system.
In other news, the Braves managed to weather an early scare as a perfect game bid was broken up in the seventh inning, ultimately defeating the Pirates 3-0. The bullpen saw some shuffling, with depth relievers swapped in as the club manages its late-inning options. Separately, an MRI confirmed a shoulder injury for Brandon Woodruff, and he is seeking a second opinion to determine the next steps in his treatment. Meanwhile, the Cardinals designated a former Braves first-round pick, Jared Shuster, for assignment, signaling more roster moves on the horizon.
On the national stage, former AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander announced his retirement after the 2026 season, ending an era for Major League Baseball. This news will reverberate through the sport as fans reflect on Verlander’s storied career and his enduring impact on the game.