​The 2026 MLB Draft is officially underway in Philadelphia, with the event kicking off in the City of Brotherly Love and extending through the weekend. The first four rounds will run through Saturday night, followed by rounds 5 through 20 on Sunday. For updates as news breaks, download the Free WSB-TV News app to get alerts.
The Atlanta Braves head into Day 1 with five selections on Saturday: No. 9, No. 26, No. 48, No. 84, and No. 112. Local talent from Georgia colleges and high school programs are hopeful to hear their names called as the draft unfolds.
This list will be refreshed over the next two days, so check back for new updates.
Braves picks and notable selections on Day 1 include:
– No. 9: AJ Gracia, outfielder, University of Virginia
– No. 26: Carter Beck, center fielder, Indiana State
– No. 48: Kaiden McCarthy, pitcher, Vermont Academy
– No. 84: Jensen Hirschkorn, pitcher, Kingsburg High School (California)
– No. 112: Cole Dennis, pitcher, Bishop Snyder High School (Florida)
Georgia connections also feature prominently. Gwinnett County native and Georgia Tech star Vahn Lackey was drafted by Minnesota with the No. 3 overall pick, a move that sent him to the Twins. Earlier in the night, another Yellow Jacket went off the board quickly when the Athletics selected outfielder Drew Burress, a Warner Robins native and Lackey’s Georgia Tech teammate, with the No. 8 overall pick.
Etowah High School’s Trevor Condon marked the first Georgia high school player drafted on Saturday, as the St. Louis Cardinals took him with the No. 13 overall pick. Daniel Jackson, the Golden Spikes Award winner, became the first University of Georgia Bulldog drafted on the day, selected by the Colorado Rockies as a catcher from Sandy Springs with the No. 37 pick.
Saturday’s local-draft highlights for Georgia and nearby areas continue with the following round-by-round selections:
– Round 1, No. 31: Blake Bryant, pitcher, Citizens Christian High School (Douglas, GA) chosen by the Arizona Diamondbacks
– Round 2, No. 45: Jarren Advincula, second baseman, Georgia Tech, selected by the Los Angeles Angels
– Round 2, No. 53: Carson Kerce, shortstop, Georgia Tech, selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks
– Round 3, No. 93: Keon Johnson, shortstop, First Presbyterian High School (GA), selected by the Houston Astros
– Round 4, No. 109: Rylan Lujo, outfielder, Georgia, selected by the Los Angeles Angels
– Round 4, No. 115: Wessley Robinson, outfielder, Glynn Academy High School (GA), selected by the Miami Marlins
As the draft progresses, more Georgia-born and Georgia-connected talents are expected to hear their names called. This year’s draft continues to shine a spotlight on the region’s baseball programs, from high school fields to college campuses, as teams look to build for the future with young arms, versatile infielders, and dynamic outfielders. Stay tuned for further updates as rounds unfold and more local stars join the ranks of Major League Baseball.