The 2026 MLB Draft is underway and the Atlanta Braves are already making some waves in what has turned into quite the chaotic draft so far. By committing their early picks to under-slot, but intriguing, college bats, they have given themselves a lot of cash to play with from their already substantial draft bonus pool.
With that strategy, it is hard to grade each individual draft pick they make in the moment. However, now that we have some context as to what Atlanta is up to, we can at least look at each pick with some context, although it is almost certainly true that any draft grades are likely to change based on who the Braves actually end up with when the dust settles.
Complete list of 2026 MLB Draft picks with grades
First Round (9) - AJ Gracia, OF
Grade: B+
There were better players ahead of Gracia still on the board when Atlanta picked him, but the difference isn't enough to beat Atlanta up over it. Gracia can flat out hit, but his defensive future as well as lingering concerns about his shoulder will dictate if the Braves made a wise choice here. Of note, Gracia will almost certainly be well under slot, so how the Braves use those savings will dictate this pick's final grade. Overall, thumb's up.
First Round - PPI (26) - Carter Beck, OF
Grade: C+
This is a weird pick, because Beck is a reach even as an under-slot pick, which is almost certainly is. However, the ability to make contact is real and it is possible that Atlanta sees something that the rest of us do not. We'll give Alex Anthopoulos the benefit of the doubt for now and let him spend all of this draft bonus pool money, but you will want to circle this
Second Round (48) - Kaiden McCarthy, RHP
Grade: A-
Other than not having a ton of track record, McCarthy is exactly the sort of arm that you would expect the Braves would try to target among a group of over-slot draft picks. High 90's fastball, strong foundation with his breaking stuff, and the arm speed is very, very good. Prep pitchers are always risky, but McCarthy is a very solid step towards this Braves draft class rounding into shape.
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