Braves selected Virginia OF AJ Gracia with the No. 9 selection of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Gracia transferred to Virginia from Duke, and he hit .354 with a 1.121 OPS in his only season with the Cavaliers. He’s a left-handed hitter who recognizes pitches well, and he has the frame to hit for power and an approach that suggests he’s going to get on base. There’s a chance he could stick in center, but he’s more likely to end up in a corner-outfield spot. Gracia’s approach could make him a quick advance, and the ceiling suggests a .280 hitter who could provide 25-plus homers in his best seasons with a couple of handful of stolen bases. You can do worse.
