Vermont native Kaiden McCarthy reached a milestone for the state on Saturday when the Atlanta Braves selected him with the 48th overall pick in the 2026 Major League Baseball draft. The selection makes McCarthy the highest-drafted player ever from Vermont.
McCarthy, a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher from Chester who starred at Vermont Academy, drew attention from scouts this spring after an exceptional season that helped his school reach the Lake Region championship game.
What McCarthy did this season
On the mound, McCarthy posted a 3-0 record with a 0.72 ERA and 42 strikeouts. He also contributed at the plate, hitting .333 with one home run and eight RBIs. Those numbers contributed to his recognition as the state’s top high school player for 2026.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Win–loss | 3–0 |
| Earned run average | 0.72 |
| Strikeouts | 42 |
| Batting average | .333 |
Recognition and background
McCarthy was named the 2026 Gatorade Vermont Player of the Year and is a two-time Lake Region Pitcher of the Year. Despite being considered undersized at 6-foot, 190 pounds, he earned praise from scouts and participated in showcase events, including the MLB Draft Combine in Arizona.
"From what I saw, he has a very, very high ceiling and I’m excited for him,"
The comment came from Matt Fincher, manager of the Vermont Lake Monsters, where McCarthy appeared in two games this June after finishing his high school season.
What this means locally
McCarthy's selection is notable for Vermont baseball: he is the highest-picked player from the state in the history of the summer draft and the first high school player from New England chosen in 2026. His path included reclassifying to make himself eligible for this year’s draft and a prior college commitment to the University of Tennessee.
McCarthy has been featured in a national scouting and media profile. He is one of three high school prospects highlighted in Season 2 of "The Prospect," a three-episode series produced by GameChanger and MLB Network; the first two episodes are available on GameChanger’s YouTube channel.
Family and coaching figures — including his parents, Matt and Shanna McCarthy, and Vermont Academy coach Russ Williams — also appeared in coverage of McCarthy’s journey. Baseball America scouting contributor Jason Pennini was among those reporting on McCarthy after his Draft Combine performance.
- Team selecting him: Atlanta Braves
- Draft slot: 48th overall (second round)
- Hometown: Chester, Vermont
As McCarthy prepares to begin his professional career, his selection underscores growing attention on New England high school talent and marks a significant moment for Vermont’s baseball community.
