​The Atlanta Braves selected Kaiden McCarthy of Vermont in the second round, picking him 48th overall in the 2026 Major League Baseball draft on Saturday, July 11. McCarthy’s selection marks a historic moment for Vermont, as he becomes the highest-ever Vermonter to be chosen in the summer MLB Draft. He also stands out as the first high school player from New England to be drafted in the 2026 MLB Draft.
The Chester, Vermont native enjoyed a standout season with Vermont Academy, leading the team to an impressive 15-6 record and helping them reach the Lake Region championship game. Over his time at Vermont Academy, McCarthy posted a stellar 3-0 record with a remarkable 0.72 earned run average and 42 strikeouts. At the plate, he batted .333 with one home run and eight RBIs, underscoring his two-way value. His achievements earned him the Lake Region Pitcher of the Year honor twice, underscoring his impact on the mound.
McCarthy’s recognition extended beyond his high school play. He earned the 2026 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year award in Vermont, highlighting him as the state’s top baseball talent. Scouts from across the country praised his potential, noting that he might be undersized for traditional pro projections at 6 feet tall and 190 pounds, yet his ceiling appears exceptionally high according to evaluators who watched him closely.
To become eligible for the 2026 MLB Draft, McCarthy reclassified as a junior, choosing to forego his initial college plan and committing to the University of Tennessee. After concluding his high school career, he also appeared in two Vermont Lake Monsters games in June, further gaining exposure in affiliated baseball environments.
“The potential I saw in him is very, very high,” Lake Monsters manager Matt Fincher remarked. “I’m excited for him.” McCarthy’s journey has continued to attract attention beyond the field, as he is featured in Season 2 of The Prospect, a three-episode original docuseries produced by GameChanger in partnership with MLB Network. The program spotlights McCarthy along with other top high school talents, with his story intertwining personal and athletic milestones. McCarthy’s parents, Matt and Shanna, and Vermont Academy coach Russ Williams participated in interviews for the series, with the first two episodes available on GameChanger’s YouTube channel.
Baseball America scouting contributor Jason Pennini offered his assessment after observing McCarthy at the MLB Draft Combine in Arizona, noting the player’s notable tools and potential trajectory as he transitions toward professional baseball.
For readers seeking more information or follow-up coverage, Judith Altneu can be contacted at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. She is also active on X, formerly known as Twitter, under the handle @Judith_Altneu. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press and has been updated for SEO context to reflect Vermont’s significant milestone with Kaiden McCarthy’s second-round selection in the 2026 MLB Draft, marking a historic moment for the state’s baseball history and for New England as a region.