Lindsay Crosby and Taylor Greenhut break down the Braves’ early 2026 draft signings and bonus-pool strategy, highlighting huge under-slot deals for AJ Gracia and Carter Beck that funded overslot prep signings like Jensen Hirschkorn and Kadien McCarthy. They discuss LSU losing commits to Atlanta, $500 senior-sign savings, key later-round targets, and the remaining unsigned players with college/NIL leverage—Jack Brenner, Cole Dorland, and Dalton Harper—plus day two favorites like Tyson Grulkowski and John Damzonio.

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At the All-Star Break, the 55–40 Braves assess what can drive a second-half push: an offense rebounding from a disastrous June, but with DH and a third outfield spot as clear holes and reinforcements (Acuña Jr., Kim, Murphy) potentially nearing return. The bullpen has been a major strength despite some injuries, while the biggest concern is an unsettled rotation behind Chris Sale and the lack of a clear postseason Game 2 starter. Despite a tough remaining schedule and a surging Phillies team with one-run-game luck and lineup issues, Atlanta can still win the division, but must be willing to pay in a seller’s market to add at the deadline.

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Lindsay Crosby recaps the Braves’ 2026 MLB Draft, noting MLB’s hard-to-follow broadcast and Atlanta’s 21 picks, including No. 9 AJ Gracia and No. 26 Carter Beck. He explains why the Braves targeted athletic, multi-sport, often younger and cold-weather prospects, saved money early to sign multiple high-upside prep arms, and prioritized pitching depth over an overslot top pick. The episode runs through brief scouting notes on all selections—highlighting Cade McCarthy, Jensen Hirschkorn, and other prep pitchers and catchers—plus early industry praise from Baseball America and the July 27 signing deadline.

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Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/wksQqVNEpX
Follow Lindsay on Twitter: @CrosbyBaseball
Read our written work: bravestoday.substack.com
Get 20% off at NCase Cards with promo code "BravesToday

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