ATLANTA – For Atlanta Braves first-round draft pick AJ Gracia, becoming part of the organization is still sinking in.
The Braves selected Gracia, an outfielder from Virginia, with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. He later signed with the organization for a $3.9 million signing bonus after emerging as one of the top hitters in college baseball.
During his lone season at Virginia in 2026, Gracia batted .354 with 14 home runs, 48 RBIs and a 1.121 OPS. He also led the Cavaliers in batting average, runs scored (64) and on-base percentage (.489).
Before transferring to Virginia, Gracia began his collegiate career at Duke, where he set the program’s freshman home run record before following head coach Chris Pollard to Charlottesville ahead of the 2025 season.
Just days after hearing his name called, Gracia visited Truist Park and reflected on the journey that brought him to the organization. While the moment has been surreal, the former Virginia standout admitted the reality of wearing a Braves uniform still hasn’t fully hit him.
“I don’t know yet, to be honest,” Gracia said when asked when it became real that he was officially a Brave. “Going up in the office, kind of looking down at the field. I mean, there’s definitely… I don’t know if you can really describe that feeling.”
The visit carried extra meaning for Gracia, who previously played at Truist Park four years ago during the Hank Aaron Invitational. Returning as a member of the Braves organization offered a completely different perspective.
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” Gracia said. “Like you said, I was here four years ago for Hank Aaron. It was a great experience.”
He also noticed one major difference between then and now.
“Probably not as many people in the stands when I was playing here four years ago,” Gracia said with a smile. “But that’s been awesome. It’s a beautiful place. I’m just really excited to get up here.”
Like many prospects, Gracia described the days leading up to the draft as filled with uncertainty. Despite trying to prepare for every possibility, he never truly knew where he would land.
“A lot of unknown going through the draft,” Gracia said. “I think you can try and plan stuff out as best as you can. But the closer you get, it’s almost like no less.”
Landing with Atlanta made the experience even more meaningful because of his lifelong connection to the franchise. Growing up, one player in particular stood out to him.
“Watching Acuña has been pretty amazing,” Gracia said. “Just the way he goes about the game every day is something that obviously I like to model myself after.”
Gracia also credited the people around him for helping him navigate one of the biggest moments of his life. He praised his family and longtime agent, Elvin Soto, for providing steady guidance throughout the process.
More than anything, Gracia believes surrounding himself with the right people has made the transition smoother.
Asked what advice he’s received from friends already playing professional baseball, Gracia said the message has been consistent.
“They’ll honestly just say that I enjoy it every day.”
One of the reasons Gracia is excited to begin his professional career in Atlanta is the organization’s reputation for developing talent. The Braves have consistently produced homegrown stars, and Gracia hopes to be the next success story.
“Their development’s arguably the best in the league probably,” Gracia said.
That confidence is matched by the discipline he believes defines both his game and his approach to life.
“One of my best strengths is just discipline,” Gracia said. “And not just, you know, on the field, but off the field.”
He credits his parents for instilling those values, which have helped shape him into the player and person he is today.
Now officially part of the Braves organization, Gracia enters professional baseball with excitement, humility and a strong support system behind him. While the reality of becoming a Brave may still be settling in, his enthusiasm for the opportunity is unmistakable as he begins the next chapter of his career.
