AJ Gracia selected by Braves with No. 9 pick in MLB Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 2:12 AM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
AJ Gracia was chosen by the Atlanta Braves as the ninth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft held in Philadelphia. This selection marks the highest pick for a Shore Conference player in 43 years. Gracia, a left-handed hitting outfielder from Ranney School, had a strong season at Virginia, batting.354 with 14 home runs. The draft also features other prospects from the Jersey Shore, including Reece Moroney and Zach Crocthfelt, who could be selected on day two of the draft, which continues today.
- •Gracia is the first New Jersey player picked in 2026 MLB Draft.
- •He had a batting average of.354 with 14 home runs at Virginia.
- •The draft started on July 11 and concludes today.
- •Reece Moroney and Zach Crocthfelt remain available for selection.
- 2:12 AMYahoo Sports — AJ Gracia to Braves at No. 9 in MLB Draft, highest Shore pick in 43 years
"The MLB Draft taking place this weekend in Philadelphia.
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