For fans who only follow the Major League product in Atlanta, paying attention to a 19-year-old outfielder in the lower minor leagues isn’t exactly on their to-do list. However, despite entering next season under the legal drinking age, Owen Carey is one of the few position-player prospects in Atlanta’s system who is worth monitoring in 2026.
In his first full season of pro ball, Carey showcased the ability to hit to all parts of the field, play solid defense, and display admirable plate discipline for a player his age. The 2025 numbers won’t jump off the page, but Carey did enough during his debut to get folks excited about his potential to climb prospect charts in 2026.
Owen Carey, OF, Atlanta Braves
— Chris Clegg (@ChrisCleggMiLB) May 22, 2025
Carey had three hits last night, including two doubles and a walk-off single. The Braves' 2024 15th rounder is legit, shows a great feel for contact. Uses the whole field well. pic.twitter.com/ida6NJp2oW
Owen Carey has advanced tools, and the ability to make a big jump in 2026
All of Carey’s debut season was spent in Low-A Augusta, where he played in 117 games and led the Carolina League with 121 hits. Carrying a .258/.330/.345 slash line and a 102 wRC+ while handling all three outfield positions is a testament to Carey’s ceiling.
Carey’s 2025 results are very encouraging when you consider it was the first time he’d been subjected to the grind of 100-plus games over a six-month span. Carey said as much in interviews, noting that the summer months were a real grind and a significant adjustment as a professional baseball player. A former 15th-round selection (though he received a $150,000 signing bonus), Carey could prove to be a steal for Atlanta if he physically matures and improves in a few areas this upcoming season.
One area Carey could improve upon is his groundball rate. Carey has great bat-to-ball skills, but his 49% groundball rate was a little higher than Braves scouts would prefer to see. Additionally, Carey homered just four times last season, and there appears to be more power he can tap into. It would be a major developmental step if he began circling the bases a few more times in 2026.
Because of his age, advancing past High-A Rome feels unlikely for Carey in 2026. However, that doesn’t mean the New Hampshire native doesn’t have a chance to make some noise this summer. Some strong groundwork was laid during his debut campaign, and if his development continues to trend in a similar direction, Owen Carey is a name you could see skyrocketing up prospect lists.