.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
The Atlanta Braves have been one of the most consistent teams throughout baseball over the last few years. They made the postseason seven consecutive times from 2018 to 2024, but ended that streak last season.
And wth last year's struggles, they've been awarded the ninth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. It is the highest they have drafted since 2019, when they took Shea Langielers ninth.
There will be plenty of elite talent to choose from when Atlanta gets on the clock, but who will they target? They have taken a pitcher with six of their last seven first-round picks, and some scouts believe that trend will continue.
MORE: Braves cut ties with former Guardians, Yankees starter for a fourth time
Braves seem poised to revisit a high school draft target with ninth overall pick
One draft prospect that the Braves are already familiar with is Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress. He was a highly sought-after prep talent in Georgia, and Atlanta tried to sign him out of high school.
And with how the draft is lining up, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel sees the Braves going back to the player they tried to sign a few years ago and keep him in his home state.
"The Braves tried to sign Burress out of high school, and rumors persist that he's Atlanta's target here, but the aforementioned top-six players all don't get here."
Burress isn't the biggest guy out there, but he doesn't let that stop him from launching baseballs. He has plus power that plays to all sides of the field.
Defensively, he has the speed to get to the balls in the gaps of the outfield and has a solid arm to back that up. Scouts believe he has the tools to stick in center field at the big-league level.
All in all, he is a good baseball prospect who could be a feel-good story if Atlanta decides to keep him home.
English (US)