The Atlanta Braves are projected to pick first in the 2027 MLB Draft, and after mixed results with their top selections a year ago, they’ll be hoping to land a cornerstone prospect this time around.

In 2026, the Braves selected 21-year-old second baseman Rodney Simmons with the 9th overall pick. Scouting reports projected his potential between 80-90, but his actual development ceiling fell short of those expectations at 74 OVR. Simmons now sits unranked in the MLB Top 100 prospects.

The Braves fared considerably better with their second selection. High school short stop Patrick Nair, 18, received an 86 overall potential rating. The Braves’ 6th pick, first baseman Jim Edmonds has a potential rating of 83.

Jennings emerges as top prospect

Arkansas starting pitcher Micah Jennings enters the 2027 draft as the No. 1-ranked prospect and a potential target for Atlanta with the first overall selection. MLB scouting projects Jennings with a 75-88 potential range and a 65-77 starting overall.

His four-seam fastball could become his biggest weapon. Scouts project the pitch to eventually rate between 76-90, with a velocity range of 94-99 mph.

Jennings also projects well in two areas critical for a starting pitcher, carrying an 82-94 stamina range and a 78-90 HR/9 projection if he reaches his development ceiling.

Those numbers make Jennings an enticing option at No. 1, but Atlanta’s experience with Simmons provides a reminder that scouting projections offer no guarantees.

That’s the intrigue surrounding Jennings—and every highly touted draft prospect: Will the projections translate into a future star, or will the No. 1 prospect ultimately become a draft-day bust?