CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – MAY 12, 2026: AJ Gracia #29 of the University of Virginia Cavaliers hits a home run during the second inning of a game against the University of Richmond Spiders at Davenport Field at Disharoon Park on May 12, 2026 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The 2026 MLB Draft is in the books and the Atlanta Braves have 21 new prospects to add into the organization. This is going to cover who the Braves drafted and where, guesses on if they are over/under slot value, and some general thoughts on each pick.
1.AJ Gracia, OF, Virginia
Over/under slot? Underslot
I’m a big fan of Gracia’s bat and loved this pick. I even wrote about him being a target for the Braves back in December when the lottery determined they would have the ninth pick. Gracia is a player with a strong track record of hitting for both average and power, and he is a guy who will have a chance to be a middle of the order type of bat.
OF AJ Gracia (@UVABaseball) is seeing the ball really well & picked up a couple of hits, including a 2B into RCF. Smooth LH stroke & easy impact. Showed + pwr in BP, 46 BB: 36 K. Jr./’26 elig. @PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/C4rSc0ZNIc— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 30, 2026
1.Carter Beck, OF, Indiana State
Over/under slot? Underslot
Beck might be an underslot first round pick, but he’s got an interesting mix of tools, production, metrics, and room for growth with a professional player development team behind him. With what he has shown so far in terms of the feel for contact and athleticism, he is a player who could grow into being a top third of the lineup type of bat.
Indiana State CF Carter Beck is such a fun prospect. Competition makes eval weird, but: 114.8 maxEV, 4% Z-Miss vs 92+, reverse splits, 12.3% BB – 11.6% K, dominated sliders, solid launch profile (I’d want some more AirPull), can run, rangy in CF, will do anything to make a play. pic.twitter.com/C46BiyL9eR— Danny (@dannybarrand_) July 8, 2026
2.Kaiden McCarthy, RHP, Vermont Academy HS (VT)
Over/under slot? Overslot
McCarthy might be a little undersized and come from a smaller cold weather state, but his stuff is very loud. He is going to take time, but there are some optimistic that he has a chance at four plus pitches. Even if he doesn’t reach that lofty ceiling, the plus fastball and advanced change with two average breaking balls is still a talented arm to add to the system.
2026 RHP Kaiden McCarthy (Vermont Academy, VT) @Vol_Baseball commitFB: 94-96 T9️⃣8️⃣CH: 85-86SL: 86-87CB: 80-81Extremely athletic 17 year old RHP with a repeatable and sound delivery. Commands FB anywhere in the zone. Secondary offerings included a mid 80’s CH with… pic.twitter.com/PyDYkgYmLq— Prep Baseball New England (@PBNewEngland) May 17, 2026
3.Jensen Hirschkorn, RHP, Kingsburg HS (CA)
Over/under slot? Significantly overslot
I had Hirschkorn as a first round talent in this class. I’m expecting he gets paid like one too, and he may have the biggest bonus of anyone outside of Gracia. He’s a projectable and athletic 6’7 arm who has already surprisingly above average command with a fastball that should grade out as better than plus as he matures. A second swing and miss pitch in his slider, and a feel for the change are also assets. Once he fills in his body and focuses on pitching full time – he was a multi-sport athlete in high school, the ceiling could be very high.
‘26 Jensen Hirschkorn (CA)FB: 93-96 (2 shapes, +command)SL: 81-82 (+potential)CH: 86 (fade, feel)Deceptive look w/ leveraged 6’7” frame/short takeaway. Pristine, potential early Day 1 pick. 3 pitches for K. Near 🔨 SL9️⃣ straight K’s in 3 👍👍#MLBDraft || @PrepBaseballCA pic.twitter.com/YDPejY3Trm— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 8, 2025
4.Cole Dennis, RHP, Bishop Snyder HS (FL)
Over/under slot? Overslot
Dennis is an up arrow prospect this spring as he is a two-way star that converted to pitching from catching. The command and changeup are going to take some work, which is to be expected when considering the background. However he has two pitches which he can get swings and misses with in the fastball and slider.
‘26 Cole Dennis (FL) 📈 name this spring, pounded the zone w/ a truly explosive FB that generated 1️⃣6️⃣ whiffs on its own.6’4” 220 lbs.7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 10 K (68% K)FB: 92-96+ (2506) 🔥 CB: 79-83 (2480)CH: 82-83 (1301)@JUBaseball recruit #MLBDraft | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/6MW2pvE2A1— Cayden Hatcher (@CaydenHatcherFL) March 19, 2026
5.Wil Libbert, LHP, Mississippi
Over/under slot? Slot
Libbert has a promising four pitch mix, though he has had inconsistent command which kept him out of the Rebels rotation this spring. If he can improve the command then he has the makings of a potential middle of the rotation starter thanks to having four average or better pitches led by the fastball and cutter. Even if he can’t improve the command he has a chance to be a quality lefty reliever for the Braves.
Extended look at @OleMissBSB starting pitcher Wil Libbert, clean delivery with lively actionsFB 95-97 (2,450+)SW 80-84 (2,650+)CT (2,500+)@PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/NnYVSXuewr— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 19, 2026
6.Tyson Grulkowski, RHP, Muskego HS (WI)
Over/under slot? Overslot
Grulkowski is another interesting prep arm from a cold weather state. The combination of the fastball and breaking ball are what got him drafted, though he will need to improve his off speed pitch in order to remain a starter. I’m a big fan of his high spin, slurvy breaking ball and think there is potential to see the fastball tick up at least a half grade. What the Braves player development team does with his third pitch will really help determine his ceiling.
From Muskego: RHP Tyson Grulkowski (Muskego, 2026) exits with the lead in the fourth after striking out five across 3.1 innings. FB: 90-94 mph, locatesSL: 75-80, whiffs; flashed wipeoutCH: 86South Florida recruit | @ShooterHunt Muskego 3 | Waterford 0 B4 pic.twitter.com/vFbzaJoNsA— Prep Baseball Wisconsin (@PrepBaseballWI) June 4, 2026
7.Jack Brenner, C, Fond du Lac HS (WI)
Over/under slot? Overslot
Brenner has an advanced hit tool and plenty of athleticism and versatility. He’s being picked for the bat, but he could have a unique skill set if he is able to stick behind the plate. Should catching not work out for him, there is enough bat and athleticism in there for him to be a fit at another position.
2026 Jack Brenner (C, Fond du Lac HS, WI)5/20 SloMo swings6’0” R/R lean frame. Compact swing with rhythm and contact. Moves well in stance with 55+ arm (1.97). 55-60 runtimes (4.18-4.22).55 athlete with tools & favorable defensive outcomes.@OU_Baseball commit#MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/rqQtACheKW— Jack Eberle (@jack_eberl12938) May 26, 2026
8.Jacob Jarrell, C, Clemson
Over/under slot? Very underslot, senior sign
Jarrell is going to be a cheaper senior sign, but he’s a bat with real power who happens to play catcher. I’m less than sure he will be able to stick behind the plate longterm, but the 18 homers he hit this year weren’t an accident. When you’re talking about a senior sign, getting a carrying trait is a win.
Jacob Jarrell bet on himself ahead of his senior season and it translated into a monster year for the Tigers 🚀.396 OBP | .579 SLG | .975 OPS | 18 HRsSecond Team All-ACC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/cHa90pYCJy— Driveline Baseball (@DrivelineBB) June 3, 2026
9.Parker Brosius, OF, Georgia Tech
Over/under slot? Very underslot, senior sign
Brosius is going to be a cheaper senior sign, but is maybe the most interesting senior sign the Braves have ever selected. He slashed .329/.504/.859 with 13 homers in part time duty this year – just 125 plate appearances. Even more important than the stats is the fact he’s a speedy athlete. He played in the corner outfield at Tech, but might get a look in center in the pros – as Drew Burress blocked him from getting much time there in college. He has also posted excellent contact metrics, which helps his average power play up. Brosius is a bit of a late bloomer with two partial seasons of solid and great production, but he is the type of prospect who could have a better pro career than he did in college.
The evolution of Carson Kerce this year has been fascinating. Kerce hits his 2nd HR of the game after Parker Brosius’ grand slam, sending this ball to the LCF seats at 101 MPH. Clean operation with solid bat path, solid B2B skills.Day 1 guy. pic.twitter.com/AkA3te870u— Tyler Jennings (@TylerJennings24) May 21, 2026
10.Ben Zeigler-Namoa, 1B, Hawaii
Over/under slot? Very underslot, senior sign
Zeigler-Namoa is a cheap senior sign with a solid feel for hitting and some defensive versatility. The power is definitely below average, meaning he will need to have the hit tool carry him. He has a mixed track record with the wood bats, both looking good in the Cape in 2024 and struggling in a smaller sample size in the MLB Draft League last summer.
Ben Zeigler-Namoa (@WVBlackBears) scorches this ball into RF for a single at 1️⃣0️⃣7️⃣.2️⃣mph.Zeigler-Namoa entered the game with an impressive Hard Hit% of 50%.👀🔥@mlbdraftleague | @BenZeigler1 pic.twitter.com/xKvTggeFgB— MLB Draft League Data (@draftleaguedata) June 22, 2025
11.Ryne Barker, 3B, Casteel HS (AZ)
Over/under slot? Overslot
Barker is a toolsy prep infielder with elite speed and a developing feel for contact. He’s very much on the older side for a prep, but he’s shown more than enough tools to project as the type of player a development team can’t wait to get their hands on. I don’t believe power will be a huge part of his game, but his contact, athleticism, and versatility should give him a floor to work with.
Casteel SS Ryne Barker continues to be a personal favorite in the prep class and someone who maybe more people should be talking about.Plus bat-to-ball skills, 95.8% contact rate this spring (5 whiffs!!!) across healthy 95 PA sample size including NHSI. 70-80 grade runner.… pic.twitter.com/hPpwhbP4lF— The Prospect Porch (@prospectporch) April 30, 2026
12.Dominic Kibler, C, Wilsonsin-Milwaukee
Over/under slot? Slot
Kibler transferred to Milwaukee from Kent State for this year and saw his power increase. He only had limited reps at catcher heading into 2026, spending more time in the outfield than behind the plate – but he would bring good speed for the position. His power is more average to above, but he doesn’t swing and miss often.
WE ARE TIED!⚡️Dom Kibler comes up clutch off the bench and splits this gap on this 2-run double!#BiteDown pic.twitter.com/1KVAkoB9c5— Kent State Baseball (@KentStBaseball) April 26, 2025
13.Cole Dorland, RHP, Walnut Grove HS (Canada)
Over/under slot? Overslot
Dorland was one of the top prep players in Canada this year and had been an Alabama commit. He’s a bit undersized, but has some projection and a solid three-pitch mix to work with. Dorland is a guy who is going to take some time, but he has gains to be made as a cold weather pitching prospect.
RHP Cole Dorland2026/27, @Langleyblaze @AlabamaBSB Recruit 3 valuable innings of work from Dorland in a big game, despite some bumps early on. Showed feel to manipulate BB and created IZ swing and miss with the FB. @BaseballCANJNT Member FB 90-92CH 82-84 CB 78-81… pic.twitter.com/1rcnGqqQEP— Prep Baseball BC (@PrepBaseballBC) May 30, 2026
14.Brady Hamilton, RHP, Wichita State
Over/under slot? Slot
Hamilton broke out in the Cape last summer as he was at times in the mid-90’s with a quality slider and a change that has the potential to be a decent third pitch. He didn’t live up to that this spring, as his stuff and command weren’t quite at the same level. Still this is a guy who looked the part of a big league prospect, and the Braves are hoping the player development staff can get him back to being the guy we saw last summer.
A high speed look at the FB-SL from RHP Brady Hamilton (@GoShockersBSB)… https://t.co/0JUnb0oYC0 pic.twitter.com/VQHBk0pQGI— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) February 28, 2024
15.Caleb Klein, OF, Southeast Missouri State
Over/under slot? Slot
Klein joined SEMO from the JUCO ranks this year and had a big year with the bat. His contact skills led to him slashing .316/.417/.491 with 8 homers among his 21 extra base hits and more walks (31) than strikeouts (30) along with 14 steals. I don’t believe the power grades the way it played this year, but it does play up due to the strong hit tool.
Classic Hang n Bang for a pull side Homer from Caleb Klein in yesterday’s scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/pkSpBaT5o3— SEMO Baseball (@SEMObaseball) September 11, 2025
16.Dalton Harper, C, Niagara County CC (NY)
Over/under slot? Slightly overslot
Harper started out at Georgia Southern, transferred to a New York JUCO where he caught one of last year’s helium draft prospects in Matt Barr, and was committed to Penn State. He’s not the toolsiest prospect, but he is a grinder who is going to get the most out of the tools he has. He hit .438/.544/.673 with 13 doubles, 7 triples, 3 homers, 25 walks, and only 10 strikeouts in his 194 plate appearances.
Niagara CC Scout Day Follow 🆙So C/3B Dalton Harper (@NiagaraTwolves); 5-9 205 lbsEV: 104‼️60yd: 7.01💨Compact build with immense power and speed. Simple heel lift load and explodes the bat thru the zone💥💥Player to watch👀#NiagaraCCScoutDay | @Harper163 | @PB_JUCO pic.twitter.com/K08wbaS8PO— Prep Baseball New York (@PrepBaseballNY) October 1, 2025
17.John Damozonio, RHP, Saint Mary’s
Over/under slot? Slot
Damozonio saw his command take a step forward to have a breakout season in a starting role this spring. He brings one of the best sliders in the entire draft and the rest of his pitch arsenal clearly popped in the Braves model. He is going to need to refine his arsenal with the player development team, but he has the potential to be a steal at this point in the draft. If he is able to add additional velocity then his profile gets even more intriguing.
M6 | SMC 1 – SU 1That’s 1⃣0⃣ K’s for John Damozonio! #GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/1pvEBj4iqt— Saint Mary’s Baseball (@SMC_Baseball) May 2, 2026
18.Ethan Stade, LHP, Bowling Green
Over/under slot? Slot
The lefty posted a 14.5 K/9 this spring and followed that up by being lights out at the MLB Draft League this summer. At the MLBDL he has a 1.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 28 K to 7 walks over his 14.2 innings – a 17.2 K/9. He might not stand out for his velocity, but the metrics on his pitches explain why he’s able to rack up the whiffs. This is a strong flier to get into the Braves player development.
📊𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕🏆Ethan Stade – June 23-28𝗚𝗦, 𝟯.𝟮 𝗜𝗣, 𝟬 𝗥, 𝟯 𝗛, 𝟬 𝗕𝗕, 𝟭𝟬 𝗞1️⃣1️⃣ WhiffsAvg/Max Extension – 6.5 / 7.0𝗙𝗕: 89.2mph (T91.2), 2348rpm, 12.9″ IVB, -15.6″ HB, 5 whiffs𝗦𝗟: 76.7mph, 2379rpm, -3.3″ IVB, 11.6″… https://t.co/awBAsdl7wt pic.twitter.com/rLNyo5yV6J— MLB Draft League Data (@draftleaguedata) June 30, 2026
19.Austin Fawley, C, Mississippi
Over/under slot? Slot
Fawley transferred from Kentucky to Mississippi and has hit 21 and 13 homers in the two years in the Rebels lineup. He has also improved his defense and throwing to the point where he has become an asset there. He does strike out – a lot, 156 over the last two years, but getting into a professional system could help to cut down on those strikeouts a bit. Still it’s a nice flier on a guy with big power.
C Austin Fawley (@OleMissBSB) gets to a heater left over the plate & deposits it over the LF fence for a 2-run HR (109 EV/392 FT), 2nd bomb on the day. Easy juice. https://t.co/wc02Dqdrdz pic.twitter.com/2bqOeibwzB— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) April 27, 2026
20.Nile Adcock, RHP, Kentucky
Over/under slot? Slot
A former JUCO transfer who broke out a bit this year in relief for the Wildcats. He’s more low 90’s, but the slider is a potentially plus pitch for him. He projects as a sinker/slider reliever who has also flashed a solid curve, but he has a career 12.4 K/9 in his two years for UK.
RHP Nile Adcock (@UKBaseball) spun a nasty mid-80s downer CB that picked up a pair of K’s & a bunch of empty swings. FB lived 91-92. Sr./’26 elig. pic.twitter.com/GUCUEja6iC— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 24, 2026