The final mock drafts came in from multiple outlets during the day Monday, ahead of the MLB Draft at 6 p.m. The Braves, slated to pick fifth, have a recent history of taking young pitchers, but the experts disagree on whether or not they’ll continue that trend.

Lots of names were swirling around the Braves' talks as the draft approached. At MLB.com, experts Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo agreed that the Braves will select outfielder/second baseman Keston Hiura, a highly regarded hitter with some work to do on defense out of the University of California-Irvine.

At ESPN, draft expert Keith Law thinks Hiura will fall to the Angels at No. 10, while the Braves will hone in on right-handed pitcher Kyle Wright from Vanderbilt, to add to their stable of high-end pitching prospects.

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Malachi Washington, who participated in Saturday’s High School Home Run Derby at Truist Park, jumped at the opportunity to participate in the event after receiving an email from MLB. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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