Braves Enjoy Strong Opening Day of 2026 MLB Draft
The 2026 MLB Draft began Sunday with Rounds 1-4, while Rounds 5-20 are scheduled for Monday. The Atlanta Braves made five selections on the opening day, picking at Nos. 9, 26, 48, 84 and 112 overall.
Atlanta also received a compensation pick in the first round after Drake Baldwin won the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year Award.
Pick No. 9
OF AJ Gracia, Virginia
The Braves selected Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia with the ninth overall pick. Gracia entered the draft as MLB Pipeline’s No. 19 overall prospect.
This season, he batted .354 with 14 home runs, 48 RBIs, 47 walks and 38 strikeouts. Scouts praise his defensive ability, highlighting his instincts and efficient routes in the outfield.
Pick No. 26
OF Carter Beck, Indiana State
Atlanta surprised many by selecting Indiana State outfielder Carter Beck with the 26th overall pick. Beck was ranked No. 193 on MLB Pipeline’s prospect rankings, making him one of the biggest reaches of the first round on paper.
However, the Braves have built a reputation for identifying overlooked talent, and Beck could prove to be another hidden gem. He won the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Award after leading the conference in runs and RBIs while finishing second in both hits and home runs.
Pick No. 48
RHP Kaiden McCarthy, Vermont Academy (Mass.)
The Braves began their run on high school pitchers by selecting right-hander Kaiden McCarthy, MLB Pipeline’s No. 61 prospect. McCarthy is committed to Tennessee.
His four-seam fastball reaches 99 mph, and he also features a quality two-seam fastball. Scouts believe his changeup is currently his best pitch, while he also throws a sweeper and a curveball.
Pick No. 84
RHP Jensen Hirschkorn, Kingsburg High School (Calif.)
Jensen Hirschkorn may have been my favorite Braves selection of the day.
Ranked No. 56 by MLB Pipeline, Hirschkorn was still available when Atlanta selected him with the 84th overall pick. In my opinion, the Braves landed a first-round talent in the third round.
The 6-foot-7, 205-pound right-hander is committed to LSU and features a three-pitch mix consisting of a fastball, slider and changeup.
Pick No. 112
RHP Cole Dennis, Bishop Snyder High School (Fla.)
The Braves wrapped up Day 1 by selecting right-hander Cole Dennis, who was ranked No. 242 by MLB Pipeline.
Dennis, a Jacksonville commit, stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 224 pounds. He throws a fastball, changeup and slider. Scouts are especially high on his slider, citing its outstanding vertical break and projecting it as a future plus pitch.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I would give the Braves a B+ for their first day of the draft.
I really like the combination of athletic outfielders and high-upside prep arms Atlanta selected. Looking ahead to Rounds 5-20, I would target left-handed pitching, catcher, first base and third base, as those positions remain relatively thin throughout the Braves’ farm system.
The Braves’ front office should be proud of the talent it added on Day 1, and it will be interesting to see how the organization builds on this class during the final 16 rounds.
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