Even when you look back several scouting directors ago, the Atlanta Braves have always prioritized pitching in the MLB Draft. There is some wisdom in that because, as they say, "you can never have enough pitching" and arms are always a great trade currency even if they don't have a place on your roster long-term. The Braves have had some notable successes, but there have been some high profile misses as well including former first round pick Kyle Wright.
When Wright fell to the Braves at fifth overall in the 2017 draft, Atlanta officials were thrilled. Wright was a strong contender to go #1 overall that year and for the Braves to be able to get him where they were picking was an unexpected and pleasant surprise.
We know how the rest of the story went from there. Wright showed real promise in the minor leagues and had some nice moments in the majors, but he was never consistent and a major shoulder injury ultimately led Atlanta to trade him away. Wright's fortunes have not improved since than and now that the Royals decided to place Wright on waivers, it again raises an important concern about the "draft arms early and often" plan.
Kyle Wright's downfall should give Braves pause about using high draft pick on a pitcher in 2026
The old adage that you can never have enough pitching is absolutely true, but there is a reason for that. Not only do you need more pitchers than any other position on your roster, but pitchers are also the most volatile demographic in baseball period. When you use a top pick like that #5 overall pick in 2017 or the inevitably high pick the Braves will get in the 2026 MLB Draft on an arm, you are taking on a lot of risk.
Are there high draft picks that were pitchers that worked out well? Of course there have been which is why teams still do it all the time even now when they know the risks. Again, you have to have arms. While of the top 10 pitchers picked in given draft, you might have. 7-8 "busts", sometimes you end up with Paul Skenes and that is just delightful.
While the 2026 MLB Draft lottery has not taken place yet, the Braves going to be picking high for the first time in years. Ideally, Atlanta would end up with a shortstop of the future in this shortstop-heavy class like Roch Cholowsky. However, if they do decide to take a pitcher yet again, they really need to make sure that arm is worth the risk.