Braves projected to grab Texas A&M standout in latest mock draft

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May 21, 2026 - 19:49

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Braves projected to grab Texas A&M standout in latest mock draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It has been quite a while since the Atlanta Braves last had a first-round pick inside the top 10. The last time they had a premier pick came all the way back in 2019 when they drafted Shea Langeliers ninth overall.

That is the same spot Atlanta will be drafting later this summer. And there will certainly be loads of talent to choose from when it's their time to be on the clock.

It's about finding the right guy for the organization. And if we look back at the club's recent first-round picks, we can see a pattern. Out of their last eight picks, seven of them were pitchers, and that trend could continue.

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Braves projected to grab Texas A&M standout in latest mock draft

There's going to be some intriguing arms available for the Braves to take with pick No. 9. There are plenty of college arms and prep arms that have shown just how valuable they can be this season.

However, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter has the team going in a different direction. He sees Atlanta selecting Texas A&M 2B Chris Hacopian at pick No. 9.

"Hacopian is one of the safest picks in the draft thanks to his elite bat-to-ball skills and extremely advanced approach at the plate. He will likely be limited to second base or left field defensively, which puts more pressure on his bat, but there is also some sneaky pop in his profile that helps elevate his value."

Hacopian shines with the bat in his hands. He is someone who crushes fastballs and rarely misses barrels on that pitch. The only concern about his game is where he would end up defensively. He has played second, third, and shortstop, but is an average defender with an average arm. And there's no telling where he will end up after the draft.