​The 2026 MLB Draft kicked off on Sunday with Rounds 1-4, and Rounds 5-20 are scheduled for Monday. The Atlanta Braves opened with five selections on the opening day, taking picks at Nos. 9, 26, 48, 84 and 112 overall. In addition, Atlanta received a compensation pick in the first round after Drake Baldwin captured the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year Award.
OF AJ Gracia, Virginia
The Braves chose Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia with the ninth overall selection. Gracia entered the draft ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 19 prospect. This season, he hit .354 with 14 home runs, 48 RBIs, 47 walks and 38 strikeouts. Scouts praise his defensive prowess, noting his instincts and efficient routes in the outfield.
OF Carter Beck, Indiana State
Atlanta then surprised many by selecting Indiana State outfielder Carter Beck with the 26th pick. Beck was listed at No. 193 on MLB Pipeline’s prospect rankings, making him one of the more surprising first-round selections on paper. However, the Braves have earned a reputation for uncovering overlooked talent, and Beck could prove to be another hidden gem. He claimed the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors after leading the league in runs and RBIs while ranking second in hits and home runs.
RHP Kaiden McCarthy, Vermont Academy (Mass.)
The Braves kicked off Day 1 by targeting high school arms, starting with right-hander Kaiden McCarthy, MLB Pipeline’s No. 61 prospect. McCarthy is committed to Tennessee. His four-seam fastball can reach 99 mph, and he also throws a quality two-seam fastball. Scouts consider his changeup his current best secondary pitch, and he also features a sweeper and a curveball in his repertoire.
RHP Jensen Hirschkorn, Kingsburg High School (Calif.)
Jensen Hirschkorn stood out as a potential standout pick for Atlanta, ranking No. 56 on MLB Pipeline. He was still on the board when the Braves selected him with the 84th overall pick. In my view, the Braves landed a first-round talent in the third round. The 6-foot-7, 205-pound right-hander is committed to LSU and brings a three-pitch mix: fastball, slider and changeup.
RHP Cole Dennis, Bishop Snyder High School (Fla.)
The Braves closed Day 1 with right-hander Cole Dennis, ranked No. 242 by MLB Pipeline. Dennis, a Jacksonville commit, stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 224 pounds. He features a fastball, changeup and slider, with scouts especially admiring his slider for its outstanding vertical break and projecting it as a future plus pitch.
Overall, my assessment gives the Braves a B+ for Day 1. I’m impressed by the club’s balance between athletic outfielders and high-upside prep arms. Looking ahead to Rounds 5-20, my targets would be left-handed pitching, catcher, first base and third base, as those positions remain relatively thin within Atlanta’s farm system.
For better SEO, the Braves’ Day 1 selections underscore a plan to blend advanced, projectable upside with the potential for rapid development in the outfield and on the mound. This approach aligns with a strategy many clubs use to identify athletic tools, make the most of prep talent, and supplement the farm with players who can contribute both in the present and the future. As the draft continues, Atlanta fans will be watching closely to see how these selections translate into organizational depth, development pathways, and potential big-league impact in the coming years.