Braves projected to add former Duke slugger in early 2026 mock draft

Jared Bloom

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Braves projected to add former Duke slugger in early 2026 mock draft image

After a disappointing 2025 season, the Atlanta Braves came into the MLB Draft Lottery with the sixth-highest odds to win the No. 1 pick. However, that position would go to the Chicago White Sox, who held the highest odds to win the first pick. 

Atlanta would then find itself dropping down a few spots. They have the ninth overall pick for the 2026 MLB Draft. 

That is not as exciting as having the top pick, but there will be some great talent available. The question is, do they go after a hitter or do they try and build their farm system's rotation by taking a pitcher?

Braves projected to add former Duke slugger in early 2026 mock draft

The consensus top pick at the moment across the board is UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky. However, it is still early, and these names can go up and down depending on how they look during the spring. 

Trying to get a sense of this draft, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter put together an early mock draft. Here, he projects the Braves to draft Virginia outfielder AJ Garcia. 

"One of the top players in the transfer portal this past offseason, Garcia landed at Virginia after hitting.292/.449/.558 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI last spring at Duke. His 55-hit, 60-power offensive profile not only gives him middle-of-the-order run producer upside, but also one of the highest floors among this year's crop of college bats."

Garcia was one of the best players in the portal this past season. After tearing it up at Duke, he landed at Virginia and should continue to be a menace to opposing pitchers. 

Scouts believe he will have little trouble transitioning his power to the big leagues and could be one who makes his way up the farm system rather quickly.

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Contributing Writer