Braves prioritize upside, value on impressive Day 1 of MLB Draft

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The Atlanta Braves took an aggressive but calculated approach on the opening day of the 2026 MLB Draft, blending polished talent with high-upside prospects in what could become one of the organization’s more intriguing draft classes in recent years.

Atlanta began by selecting infielder AJ Gracia with the No. 9 overall pick, a choice that many evaluators believe could give the club flexibility under MLB’s bonus pool system. Reports indicate Gracia is expected to sign for below slot value, allowing the Braves to redirect additional bonus money toward later selections with greater signing demands.

Gracia enters professional baseball with one of the best pure hit tools in the draft. Scouts praise his ability to consistently make contact, control the strike zone and avoid chasing pitches. While some believe he can occasionally be too patient at the plate, his advanced approach and knack for barreling baseballs give him the potential to develop into an above-average, and possibly plus, hitter. His willingness to make adjustments throughout his college career has also impressed evaluators.

The Braves then used the Prospect Promotion Incentive pick they earned after Drake Baldwin’s National League Rookie of the Year season to select Canadian outfielder Carter Beck, another player expected to provide bonus pool flexibility.

Braves bet on bats and big arms in intriguing first day of MLB Draft

Beck remains one of the more intriguing developmental prospects in the class. A former multi-sport athlete from Canada, he has only played two seasons of Division I baseball but already flashes an average hit tool with room for growth as he gains experience. His standout tool is his speed, which grades as plus, giving him the potential to become a dangerous baserunner and strong defender in the outfield. While his power currently projects closer to average, there is optimism that more offensive production could develop as he matures physically.

Atlanta then shifted gears by investing heavily in upside, selecting prep right-handers Kaiden McCarthy in the second round and Jensen Hirschkorn in the third. Both are viewed as high-ceiling prospects who could require overslot bonuses to sign, a strategy made possible by the savings generated with the earlier selections.

The Braves rounded out Day 1 by adding another high school arm, Cole Dennis, in the fourth round, further reinforcing an organizational emphasis on developing young pitching.

Overall, Atlanta’s draft strategy showcased a balance between acquiring polished offensive talent and betting on premium upside. By leveraging bonus pool savings early and targeting elite high school arms later, the Braves positioned themselves to maximize the value of their draft class while continuing to build one of baseball’s deepest farm systems.