The Atlanta Braves’ scouting department continues to find players who’ve demonstrated that show the potential for a Major League career even when other organization don't see the same potential. I discussed for of these in my last post on undrafted free agent signings. Let us look at three more of the new undrafted free agent position player additions.
Here are three more undrafted free agents the Braves just added
Caden Merritt - 6’0, 170 lb RHH OF - Gainesville HS
Merrit was a two-way player for Gainesville, finishing his senior year with a 10-1 record, 1.54 ERA, 74 strikeouts and 15 walks as a starter and closer while batting .421 with six homers and a best-in-state 30 stolen bases.
The Braves signed him as an outfielder, where various reports indicate his plus speed and strong, accurate arm allow him to play all three outfield slots. At the plate, Merritt shows a short, direct swing with line drive power gap to gap, and potential for home run power as he gets stronger. He appeared in 13 games for the Frederick Keys of the MLB Draft league shortly after turning 18 in May. His often overly aggressive approach at the plate led to a 50% K-rate, so he clearly needs to adjust his approach, but the Braves saw enough to believe he could fix it.
Cooper McMurray - 6’4, 230 lb LHH 1B – Auburn
Cooper McMurray 23, is a big, strong man who looks like a first baseman, and for the last three years at Auburn, he produced the numbers to back up that look, batting .303/.404/.602/1.006 with 42 homers and 59 doubles, with a 24.4% K-rate and walking in 18.6% of his 704 PA.
After being hit in the hand in the fall of 2024 and missing the fall season, McMurray spent his time improving his strength and shedding weight. He returned in January, 15 pounds lighter and looking like a different player. It wasn’t just a look; McMurray turned in his best season at the plate, batting .326/.431/.588/1.019, including 14 homers while driving in 59 in 281 PA.
His superb senior season earned him a spot on the All-Southeast Region team and made him a finalist for the 2025 Gold Glove Team.
McMurray hasn’t played in a wooden bat league since 2021, when he batted .343/.453/.514/.967 and hit five homers in 140 PA, so there are questions about his ability to adjust to wooden bats and better pitching, but if he’s a dedicated to playing for the Braves as he was about reshaping his body, he has a good chance of making it. McMurray isn’t speedy, so if he does make the transition, he'll remain a first baseman or DH.
Yamvier Carrero - 6’2, 165 lb RHH SS - Maceira Baseball Academy PR
Baseball America ranked Yamvier Carrero #433 on their pre-draft top-500 prospect list, and Perfect Game ranked Carrero the #2 SS from Puerto Rico.
Joshua Salguero summed up Carrero in this post.
"…Despite the size, he’s got incredible bat speed that offers the potential for plus power with added strength. He attended the MLB Draft combine, where he put up an average exit velocity of 93 and a top speed of 104.6. Defensively, he’s got smooth hands to play at short, but will need to improve his footwork and speed in order to keep up with the range needed to play the position… "
That’s a Wrap
All prospects are suspects, and those who end up as UDFAs have a harder path to the majors, but McMurray and Carrero, in particular, look like they have a chance, and outfielders like Merritt, with plus speed and defensive skill, always get a chance to succeed.