Baseball fans, get ready to mark your calendars—the 2026 MLB Draft is already generating buzz, and the Atlanta Braves are in an enviable position. MLB Pipeline just dropped their first mock draft for the upcoming class, and it's packed with intrigue, especially for Braves Country.
For the first time in seven years, Atlanta holds a Top 10 selection, and they don't stop there—they boast two first-round picks. While this mock covers only the first 25 picks (meaning their second pick at #26 isn't included), the ninth overall slot is already turning heads.
The top of the draft looks predictable with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Texas prep star Grady Emerson, and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey going 1-2-3. But the surprises start early: the Giants grab prep shortstop Jacob Lombard at #4, and a Florida prep lefty, Gio Rojas, sneaks into the sixth spot. By the time the Braves are on the clock at #9, the board sets up perfectly for their target.
Atlanta is projected to select Ole Miss right-hander Cade Townsend—a pick that aligns with another mock from Keith Law. Townsend is a rising star with a fastball that touches 98 mph, plus two breaking balls and a cutter that scouts already grade as plus. "Clubs believe college pitchers will surge up boards by draft day," Pipeline notes, "and Townsend could climb more than most."
As a sophomore, Townsend has been electric: a 5-1 record, a sparkling 2.42 ERA, and a 0.96 WHIP over 52 innings across 11 starts, with 78 strikeouts. His command has taken a leap from his freshman season, though some evaluators note effort in his delivery that could keep control in the fringe-average range. Still, with four potential plus pitches, he's a compelling arm for a Braves system that loves developing power arms.
Other notable names in this mock include Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress (#10), Etowah HS outfielder Trevor Condon (#15), and Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron (#16). For Braves fans eyeing the future, Townsend could be the first piece of a very promising draft class. Whether you're stocking up on Braves gear or just love following the next wave of talent, this is a name to watch.