Atlanta Braves Prepare for 2026 MLB Draft Lottery
The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the 2026 MLB Draft Lottery, scheduled for December 9 at 5:30 PM. This event will be broadcast live on MLB Network. Following a challenging 2025 season filled with injuries, the Braves find themselves in a favorable position to secure a valuable pick.
Braves’ Draft Lottery Odds
The Braves finished with the ninth worst record in the league but have sixth-best odds in the lottery. Their chances are bolstered by the ineligibility of three teams—the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, and Washington Nationals—who have previously selected top picks in recent drafts.
Lottery Chances
- Braves’ chance at the #1 overall selection: 4.54%
- Fifth-place Oakland Athletics: 6.55% chance
- Top contenders for the pick include:
- Chicago White Sox
- Minnesota Twins
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Baltimore Orioles
Among other teams in the National League East, the Miami Marlins hold a 1.85% chance, while the New York Mets have a mere 0.67% chance of moving into the lottery to avoid a significant drop in their draft position.
Potential Draft Picks
Should the Braves succeed in the lottery, they might select a promising player like UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky. They also have the option to consider other talented prospects, such as:
- Justin Lebron (shortstop)
- Jacob Lombard (shortstop)
- Grady Emerson (shortstop)
- Drew Burress (slugging outfielder from Georgia Tech)
The first six picks in the 2026 MLB Draft will be determined by the lottery. Teams that do not secure a lottery pick will select by their regular season records. The Braves already hold the #26 pick due to Drake Baldwin’s Rookie of the Year Award, positioning them strongly for the draft.
Tuesday’s lottery could mark a pivotal moment in Braves’ history. A successful result not only allows them to add elite talent but also reinforces their chances of acquiring a strong young player, solidifying their future in Major League Baseball.
