By Guy Page

Vermont baseball made history Sunday when Kaiden McCarthy of Chester, a member of Vermont Academy’s Class of 2026, became the highest-drafted high school player with Vermont ties in state history.

The 17-year-old right-handed pitcher was selected by the Atlanta Braves with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. 

Vermont Academy celebrated the milestone on social media, praising McCarthy as the first high schooler from Vermont ever drafted in the top two rounds.

“Vermont Academy and the entire 802 is so proud. Go Braves!” Vermont Academy said in a social media post.

The selection is expected to come with a significant payday. Baseball America projects McCarthy’s signing bonus at approximately $2.08 million if he signs with the Braves rather than pursuing college baseball.

This kid has worked so hard to get to this point,” one social media commentator said. “It’s impressive on a level that’s difficult to explain, especially for a 17-year-old. He’s a tremendous athlete and incredibly kind and mature young man. He and his family deserve everything they’ve achieved.”

McCarthy’s rise from a cold-weather state to one of the nation’s top high school pitching prospects has impressed scouts and coaches alike.

Scouting reports praise McCarthy’s athleticism, polished mechanics and advanced repertoire. His fastball can be commanded throughout the strike zone, complemented by a tumbling mid-80s changeup, a mid-80s slider and a low-80s curveball.

Battery Power, which covers the Braves’ farm system, noted that while McCarthy may be “a little undersized” at 6’0” and comes from “a smaller cold-weather state,” his pitching arsenal stands out. The publication said he has the potential to develop four above-average pitches, adding that even if he falls short of that ceiling, his plus fastball, advanced changeup and quality breaking pitches make him an exciting addition to the Braves organization.