The Atlanta Braves must wait till 2027 for AJ Gracia’s MLB debut. Jesus Cano of The Athletic studies that Gracia will bear surgical procedure to restore a torn labrum.
The Braves drafted Gracia ninth total out of the College of Virginia within the 2026 MLB Draft and signed him for a well-under-slot bonus of $3.9975 million. Atlanta used the financial savings with the decide deeper into the draft.
Contemplating his signing bonus was lower than 75% of the decide’s worth, the 21-year-old skipped the bodily on the MLB Draft Mix. So it’s theoretically doable the Braves chosen the previous Duke and Virginia outfielder with that info already identified. It’s merely hypothesis until addressed by the membership itself.
Atlanta is hoping {that a} robust draft, plus breakouts by Eric Hartman and 2025 first-rounder Tate Southisene, will strengthen their farm system. The Braves are clear consumers, with a cushty lead within the Nationwide League East forward of the commerce deadline.
Braves First-Rounder AJ Gracia Undergoes Surgical procedure
The surgical procedure was carried out by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, beginning the outfielder’s restoration. It’s unclear which shoulder wanted surgical procedure, though that’s one thing the membership will possible announce sooner or later.
Cano studies that it will likely be a restoration interval of 7-10 months, which impacts his availability for minor league camp subsequent spring. Probably the most optimistic prognosis is that he’s absolutely recovered earlier than the beginning of the minor league season. The longer finish of that window is round June.
Given his superior bat and robust monitor report in ACC play, AJ Gracia was possible a quick-mover within the Braves system. However the misplaced reps recovering from this surgical procedure will delay his development to the massive leagues.
Like HEAVY’s content material? Remember to observe us.
This text was initially printed on HEAVY
The publish Braves Get Devastating Damage Information on 2026 First-Rounder Throughout Nationals Collection appeared first on HEAVY.