The National League East brought several different approaches into the opening round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Atlanta doubled down on experienced college outfielders, Washington added one of the safest bats in the class, Miami stayed close to home with a talented high school shortstop, and the Mets gambled on elite pitching upside. Philadelphia had to wait because of a draft-position penalty but still landed a high-ceiling prep infielder. Here is Sportsvival’s look at every first-round selection made by an NL East organization.
Atlanta Braves, Pick No. 9: AJ Gracia, OF, Virginia
The Braves opened their draft by selecting AJ Gracia, a polished left-handed hitter who produced at a high level throughout his college career at Duke and Virginia. Gracia finished with an OPS above 1.000 in all three of his collegiate seasons, totaling 43 home runs, 39 doubles and a .317 career batting average. His advanced strike-zone judgment, consistent contact and developing power give him one of the safer offensive profiles in the class. Gracia may not become a Gold Glove center fielder, but his bat should allow him to fit comfortably in an outfield corner and move steadily through Atlanta’s system.
Washington Nationals, Pick No. 11: Chris Hacopian, 2B, Texas A&M
Washington stayed with an advanced college hitter by selecting Chris Hacopian, a Maryland native who began his career with the Terrapins before transferring to Texas A&M. Hacopian played through a lower-back issue during the 2026 season but still posted a .983 OPS with more walks than strikeouts. He consistently finds the barrel, controls the strike zone and produces hard contact without needing to sell out for power. The biggest question will be his defensive home, but Washington should give him an opportunity to remain at second base before considering a move to left field.
Miami Marlins, Pick No. 14: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep
The Marlins kept one of the draft’s most talented high school players in South Florida by selecting Jacob Lombard from Miami’s Gulliver Prep. Lombard is a 6-foot-3 shortstop with impressive athletic ability, developing power and the defensive tools to remain on the left side of the infield. Baseball also runs throughout his family, as his father, George, played six Major League seasons, while his older brother, George Jr., is one of the Yankees’ top prospects. Lombard will require patience as a prep selection, but his combination of size, bloodlines and overall upside gives Miami a potential cornerstone for its rebuilding farm system.
Atlanta Braves, Pick No. 26: Carter Beck, OF, Indiana State
Atlanta used its second first-round selection on Carter Beck, the two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year from Indiana State. Beck hit .346 with a .637 slugging percentage as a junior and earned attention with his strong contact rates, exit velocities and performance at the MLB Draft Combine. The selection was considered earlier than expected, but Beck is expected to sign below the pick’s assigned value, allowing Atlanta to redirect bonus money toward several high-upside high school pitchers. The Braves received the additional selection through the Prospect Promotion Incentive after Drake Baldwin won the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year Award.
New York Mets, Pick No. 27: Carson Wiggins, RHP, Arkansas
The Mets made one of the biggest upside swings of the first round by selecting Arkansas right-hander Carson Wiggins. The 6-foot-5 pitcher has reached 102 miles per hour and possesses the size, athleticism and arm strength of a potential frontline starter. However, Wiggins underwent Tommy John surgery after throwing only 14 collegiate innings and has limited experience against advanced hitters. He returned to throw 95 to 97 miles per hour during the draft process while showing a slider, curveball and changeup. There is significant risk involved, but New York could have a dominant rotation piece if Wiggins remains healthy and improves his command.
Philadelphia Phillies, Pick No. 36: Tyler Spangler, SS, De La Salle High School
Philadelphia had its original first selection moved back 10 spots because of Competitive Balance Tax penalties, but the Phillies still landed an intriguing high school shortstop in Tyler Spangler. The left-handed hitter missed his senior season because of a back injury, causing a player once discussed much earlier in the first round to fall to Philadelphia. Spangler has the size, hands and defensive instincts to remain at shortstop, along with the potential to develop above-average hitting ability and power. His health will need to be monitored, but the Phillies may have found excellent value if Spangler returns to full strength.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta was the busiest NL East organization in the first round, adding two productive college outfielders while creating bonus-pool flexibility for later selections. Washington and Miami concentrated on position players with strong offensive upside, while New York accepted considerable medical risk in exchange for a potential power arm. Philadelphia had to wait longer than expected, but Spangler’s upside made him a worthwhile gamble at No. 36.
The NL East did not follow one specific draft strategy, but every team came away with a player who could eventually become an important part of its future. From polished college bats to high-risk, high-reward prospects, the division added plenty of talent to follow as the 2026 draft class begins its professional journey.