Braves Draft Surprise: College Outfielders Take Center Stage

The Atlanta Braves made a notable strategic choice during the 2026 MLB Draft, selecting two college outfielders in the first round. This marks a significant departure from their historical approach, as they had previously drafted only one college outfielder in the first round since the draft's inception in 1965. AJ Gracia from the University of Virginia was chosen ninth overall, followed by Carter Beck from Indiana State at the 26th pick.

This selection of two college outfielders in the first round was a deliberate strategy. By securing Carter Beck, who is expected to sign for less than the slot value of his pick, the Braves aim to reallocate those savings. These funds are intended to help them sign two highly regarded high school pitchers, Kaiden McCarthy and Jensen Hirschkorn, who were selected with their third and fourth-round picks.

This approach continues the Braves' recent trend of prioritizing position players in the early rounds of the draft. Following their selections on Day 1, which included Gracia and Beck, the draft's Day 2 will cover Rounds 5-20. Notable recent draftees developed by the Braves include All-Star Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris.