​With the ninth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Atlanta Braves selected Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia. Gracia has been a productive, multi-faceted performer over the past three seasons, and he projects as a hitter who can contribute both average and power at the next level.
Name: AJ Gracia
Position: Outfielder
Hometown: Tinton Falls, NJ (Ranney School)
School: Virginia
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 195
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
Previously Drafted: N/A
Evaluations from major scouting outlets vary, but Gracia is regarded as a high-floor, high-upside college bat who has shown the ability to hit for average while developing power. Baseball America lists him as a potential contributor at the next level, while platforms like Perfect Game, Pipeline, ESPN, and others reflect a consensus that his athleticism and hitting tools carry real promise.
Statistical snapshot by year:
– 2024 (Duke, Cape Cod League in limited action): .305/.440/.559 with 14 doubles, 14 home runs, 58 RBIs, 5–6 stolen bases, 48 walks, 55 strikeouts in 278 plate appearances across Duke competition. Cape Cod numbers included a .267/.421/.467 line with 1 HR and 3 RBIs over 19 PA in six Cape games.
– 2025 (Duke): .293/.449/.558 with 10 doubles, 1 triple, 15 homers, 54 RBIs, 8–9 SB, 57 walks, 36 strikeouts in 285 PA.
– 2026 (Virginia): .354/.489/.632 with 15 doubles, 1 triple, 14 homers, 48 RBIs, 4–6 SB, 47 walks, 38 strikeouts in 272 PA.
Advanced metrics and notes:
– 2024: Hit tool regarded as Gracia’s best tool. He demonstrates elite contact ability, minimizes swing-and-miss, and shows patience and approach at the plate, routinely getting deep into counts. Some evaluators note he can be a touch too patient, but his barrel awareness and ability to adjust his swing have already shown room for growth toward a plus hit tool.
– 2025–2026: Expectation for above-average to plus raw power, aided by a still-physically developing frame. Gracia’s power output has been strong in college play, and there is confidence that his strength will continue to mature as he fills out his body. Some concerns about exit velocity fluctuations have arisen, but these are often attributed to a strategic emphasis on contact and maximizing on-base opportunities rather than purely raw power alone.
– Basestealing: Gracia is a capable baserunner but not a burner. He possesses solid instincts on the bases and can steal occasional bags, though his primary value lies in his hitting and on-base production rather than elite speed.
– defense: Gracia has played primarily center field in college and profiles as an average defender at the pro level. There is some belief that he could eventually shift to a corner outfield slot, depending on team needs and defensive development. His overall athleticism should help him handle multiple outfield positions as needed.
Overall profile:
Gracia’s standout tool is his hit tool. He is a natural hitter who consistently makes contact, adeptly controls the strike zone, and shows the patience to work deep counts. His barrel control and ability to adjust his swing are advanced traits that give him a strong chance to stay in center field and contribute as a high-average, on-base machine with legitimate power. While his exit velocity data in a recent year raised some questions, many scouts view that as a byproduct of his approach rather than a fundamental flaw; as his focus shifts back toward maximizing power and barrels, his power should continue to develop.
In the Braves’ system, Gracia represents a well-rounded offensive prospect with the potential to hit for average and power while maintaining on-base discipline. His college track record demonstrates adaptability and growth, suggesting he can make the necessary swing adjustments to further elevate his offensive game as he progresses. Given his bat-to-ball skills, patient approach, and room to grow physically, Gracia offers a compelling combination of floor and upside that should translate well to the professional level.