The Atlanta Braves have established themselves as one of the top teams throughout the 2026 MLB season. Under first-year manager Walt Weiss, they are 45-23 and have an eight-game lead in the National League East over the Philadelphia Phillies.
While the Braves are focused on their World Series aspirations, an important piece to their future is less than a month away. The 2026 MLB Draft is set to begin on July 11, and Atlanta holds the No. 9 pick.
With a top-10 pick, they will have a handful of talented players to choose from. CBS Sports' Mike Axisa predicts the Braves will select Kentucky Wildcats shortstop Tyler Bell.
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"Despite a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that is likely to require surgery and sideline him into 2027, Bell is getting buzz as a top 10 pick," Axisa wrote. "He would have been considered a slam dunk in that range with a healthy shoulder as a switch-hitter with power and plate discipline, plus the defensive chops to stay at shortstop. There is obvious risk given the shoulder injury, but Bell played through it this spring and performed very well, and the tools are terrific."
Despite being limited to 41 games this past season, the Frankfort, Illinois native put up strong numbers. He accumulated 143 at-bats, 49 runs scored, 49 hits, 29 RBIs, nine home runs and 30 walks. The switch-hitter slashed .343/.510/.608 with a 1.119 OPS.
The first team All-SEC honoree also brought value on the defensive side. Bell committed just three errors and produced a 0.974 fielding percentage, showcasing a dependable glove.
At 20 years old, he has clearly emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the draft. If the Braves ultimately take Bell at No. 9, it would give the team a top pick to develop into a cornerstone for the franchise.
