Choosing players in the MLB Draft can be a real challenge for teams. The Atlanta Braves know all too well that a player having potential doesn't always mean things will work out in the end. Some prospects crash and burn, while others surprise everyone with unexpected success. Atlanta (and other organizations) are all too familiar with the former. Not every draft pick turns to gold in the end.
There will be picks that aren't popular among baseball pundits and fan bases. However, as Braves fans have learned with players like Carter Beck, prospects can change everyone's minds very quickly. Beck was selected as a PPI pick in the 2026 draft as the 26th overall pick out of Indiana State. That pick came from Drake Baldwin winning Rookie of the Year in 2025.
Carter Beck is showing why the Braves valued him so highly in the 2026 MLB Draft
Beck is already rated as Atlanta's 14th-best prospect despite having only played in 15 games (11 with Low-A Augusta and High-A Rome). However, when the Braves first chose Beck in the draft, a lot of people weren't fans of the selection. Even though he was signed under slot at $2.6 million. Many critics thought he was talented but was taken way too early in the draft.
But there were also some who saw his potential, and the Braves clearly valued him highly enough to pick him early. The lefty bat has been showing why the team thought he was worthy of the slot. He has a .367/.424/.467 slash line with one double, one triple, one home run, 8 RBI, six walks, 11 strikeouts, and an .891 OPS. His first pro homer came just before he was promoted to High-A Rome.
CARTER BECK FIRST PRO HOMER FOR THE LEAD!!!!! pic.twitter.com/aJm5mLoW6e
— Augusta GreenJackets (@GreenJackets) August 16, 2026
Beck has an aggressive approach that could cause him to rack up strikeouts, but he makes quality contact pretty frequently. However, scouts think that if he's able to become more selective, he could tap into a bit more power. Another tool that puts him over the top is his great speed on the base paths. That's something Atlanta has needed more of recently.
Beck is serviceable in the outfield. He needs some improvement at reading the ball better off the bat and taking better routes. That, coupled with his fringe arm strength, lends to him sticking to a corner outfield spot in the future. He has plenty of time to make strides in these areas, but there's a lot to look forward to. Beck only further solidifies the Braves' excellent outfield organizational depth.
Add us as a preferred source on Google