Braves open MLB Draft with Virginia OF AJ Gracia at No. 9 overall

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:30:00 -0400

The Atlanta Braves opened the 2026 MLB Draft on Tuesday night by using their two first-round picks on collegiate outfielders — a draft strategy the team had rarely employed in the 61-year history of the modern selection process.

Atlanta selected University of Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia with the ninth overall pick, then added Indiana State outfielder Carter Beck at No. 26.

Mike Kelly (second overall in 1991) had previously been the only collegiate outfielder selected by the Braves in the first round of the draft, which began in 1965.

Carter-Beck on WACN 21 News

Braves open MLB Draft with Virginia OF AJ Gracia at No. 9 overall