With the No. 9 overall pick, the Atlanta Braves selected outfielder AJ Gracia and the Miami Marlins selected infielder Jacob Lombard with #14 pick of the draft. Two more players with Cuban roots take an important step toward baseball’s biggest stage and complete their dream of being selected in the MLB Draft.
Atlanta invested in one of the most promising college hitters in this year’s draft class. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the No. 19 overall prospect in the draft. Gracia is a left-handed hitter known for his outstanding plate discipline, consistent contact skills, and developing power. Generates above-average raw power with the ability to drive the ball to all fields.
Improved line-drive rate and reduced ground-ball rate during his college career, making him a more complete offensive player.Considered one of the safest college bats in the 2026 draft class. Defensively, he has a strong chance to remain in center field thanks to his excellent instincts and ability to take efficient routes to the baseball. Gracia also has a very adequate arm for the position. Arm strength is average to slightly below average for a corner outfielder.
AJ Gracia:
Position: Outfielder
School: University of Virginia
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs.
Drafted: No. 9 overall by the Atlanta Braves (2026 MLB Draft)
MLB Pipeline Scouting Grades (20–80 scale):
Hit: 55
Power: 55
Run: 45
Arm: 45
Field: 50
Overall: 55
In the case of the other Cuban-American Jacob Lombard Miami added one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class. Lombard is the younger brother of Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr. He is also the son of George Lombard, the current bench coach of the Detroit Tigers and a former Major League player.
Lombard is a premium athlete with a projectable 6-foot-3 frame with above-average bat speed and the potential for plus power as he continues to mature. He is also a plus runner who can impact the game on the bases and has advanced baseball instincts from growing up in a baseball family. The Cuban-American has smooth defensive actions with the range and athleticism to remain at shortstop long term.
If Lombard’s bat continues to develop, he has All-Star caliber upside thanks to his rare combination of athleticism, speed, defensive ability, and power. Even if the hit tool takes longer to come around, his defensive value and athleticism give him a high floor as a potential everyday Major League shortstop
Jacob Lombard:
Position: Shortstop
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs.
School: Gulliver Prep (Miami, Florida)
MLB Pipeline Pre-Draft Ranking: No. 5 overall prospect
MLB Pipeline Grades (20–80 scale):
Hit: 55
Power: 60
Run: 65
Arm: 50
Field: 55
Overall: 60