The 2026 MLB Draft is officially underway, and the Atlanta Braves entered the event hoping to strengthen an already promising farm system with another impressive class. While many fans expected the organization to stick with its long-standing draft philosophy of targeting pitching early, Atlanta once again took an unexpected path that caught plenty of people by surprise.
After selecting three position players in the first three rounds of last year’s draft, many assumed the Braves would return to prioritizing arms in 2026. Instead, the front office doubled down on offense, using both of its first-round selections on college outfielders. Atlanta chose AJ Gracia from the University of Virginia with the No. 9 overall pick before selecting Indiana State standout Carter Beck at No. 26 overall.
Braves insider Mark Bowman highlighted just how historic those selections were.
“With the selections of AJ Gracia and Carter Beck the Braves have taken more college outfielders in the first round today than they had within the previous 61 MLB Drafts combined. Mike Kelly (1991) had been the only previous such selection before today.”
Atlanta’s unconventional draft approach carries some risk, but the organization clearly believes the long-term reward could outweigh the concerns. Both Gracia and Beck are highly regarded for their polished bats, consistent contact skills, and offensive upside. Like many draft prospects, however, each enters professional baseball with areas that still need development.
Beck’s biggest challenge will be refining his reads and routes in center field if he hopes to remain at the position. His below-average arm strength could ultimately make him a better fit in a corner outfield role.
Gracia, meanwhile, is praised for his instincts and efficient routes but lacks top-end speed and possesses only average arm strength. Those traits have many evaluators projecting him as a future left fielder once he reaches the major leagues.
Fortunately for the Braves, there is plenty of time for both prospects to develop before any final judgments are made. After taking two under-slot college bats, Atlanta shifted its attention to pitching, selecting three talented high school arms with its next three picks.
The Braves continue to build one of baseball’s deepest talent pipelines, and if this draft class develops as the organization expects, these bold first-round decisions could pay off in a major way over the coming years.