A Promising Addition to the Braves Farm System
Caleb Klein, a center fielder from Epworth, Iowa, was selected in the 15th round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, marking the latest link between Southeast Missouri State University and the franchise.
During his freshman season with the Redhawks, Klein batted .316 and launched eight home runs, while also leading the team with 65 runs scored and 14 stolen bases. His all‑around performance helped SEMO secure a strong finish and drew attention from professional scouts.
The Braves have a history of targeting talent from the university, and six of the program’s last ten draft picks have found homes within the organization. Klein joins a growing cadre of former Redhawks players, including Andrew Keck, Dylan Dodd, Trenton Moses, Shaw Simmons and Matt Tellor, who have all signed professional contracts with Atlanta.
Southeast Missouri State University, located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, continues to produce competitive baseball talent that transitions smoothly to the professional ranks. The university’s athletic department praised Klein’s development and expressed confidence that his skill set will translate well to the Braves’ minor‑league system.
The news underscores the increasing influence of Midwestern collegiate programs on Major League Baseball’s talent pool, with Iowa and Missouri both contributing notable prospects. As the Braves look to bolster their farm system, players like Klein exemplify the blend of speed, power and discipline that modern scouts value.