A Historic Draft Moment
Kaiden McCarthy, a 6‑foot‑3 right‑handed pitcher from Chester, Vermont, was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft, becoming the first high school player from his state to be chosen in the top two rounds.
The pick carries a slot value of $2,081,900, underscoring the premium placed on his talent, which includes a fastball that has topped 99 miles per hour and a career ERA of 0.72 with 42 strikeouts and just six walks.
McCarthy’s journey to the draft was unconventional; he originally belonged to the class of 2027 but reclassified to join the 2026 cohort, a move that made him the first commit of the Josh Elander era at the University of Tennessee.
Beyond the personal milestone, his selection reflects a broader trend of Tennessee Volunteers prospects being recognized among the nation’s elite, with three other Tennessee signees also drafted this year.
Ranked No. 61 overall by MLB Pipeline, McCarthy was also honored as the Vermont Gatorade Player of the Year in 2026, a testament to his dominance on the mound.
Future in the Minors
With the $2.08 million slot value attached, the Braves have committed significant resources to develop McCarthy, who is expected to progress rapidly through the minor leagues as he adjusts to professional competition.