MLB’s prospect coverage site, Pipeline, released a new mock draft for the 2026 MLB Draft last night. In that mock draft they had the Atlanta Braves selecting two players whose names have been prominently discussed in and around the Top 10 prospects in the draft class dating back to last winter.
With the first pick, Florida high school left-hander Gio Rojas is the selection at No. 9. Per the article:
“In three of the last four Drafts, the Braves have taken a high school player, have selected a pitcher
and have cut a discount (not always all at the same time). They could marry those strategies and get a below-slot deal with Rojas, saving money to spend on their next choice at No. 26 or later in the Draft. They’re linked to Burress, Hacopian, Helfrick and Bell as well.”
With the pick at No. 26 received via Drake Baldwin winning Rookie of the Year, Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia was the selection.
Among the names of local interest, Georgia Tech bats Vahn Lackey and Drew Burress went third and seventh respectively, while Etowah HS outfielder Trevor Condon was the 18th selection and Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson went 28th.
Thoughts:
In a year with a solid draft class, but also a weaker Top 10 than usual I don’t mind this first round, and could possibly really love it depending on just how underslot Rojas really is. He is the clear top prep arm in the draft, and you could make a case for him being the second best arm in the draft to Jackson Flora. Taking him in the Top 10 at an underslot would help give the Braves a larger bonus pool to be able to add both quality and quantity to their minor league system.
I love Gracia at the 26th pick. He is a guy who has dropped a bit this season from his initial preseason Top 10 ranking, though not by much. He is a player many believe can hit for both average and power and has a great swing from the left side. There have been some Kyle Tucker comps for him, and that is certainly one I can see for him.
