After weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, the Atlanta Braves have made it official: they’ve signed Vanderbilt right-hander Lucas Carter, one of the most electric arms in this year’s MLB Draft class, after selecting him with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft. The organization confirmed the deal Tuesday morning, revealing Carter has signed for a reported $4.3 million signing bonus — slightly above slot value — reflecting just how highly the Braves view his potential.
A Power Arm with Immediate Buzz
Carter, 21, comes to the Braves after a dominant junior season with the Vanderbilt Commodores, where he posted a 2.11 ERA, 127 strikeouts, and just 18 walks over 94.2 innings in the hyper-competitive SEC. His fastball routinely hits 98 mph with late life, and scouts rave about his sharp, late-breaking slider and mature pitch sequencing. “He’s a rare blend of polish and power,” said Braves scouting director Dana Brown. “We’ve been tracking Lucas for years — his combination of stuff, command, and poise made him our clear top target. We’re ecstatic to bring him into the Braves family.”
Inside the Selection Process
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos noted that Carter had been high on Atlanta’s board since early spring and was their top-ranked college pitcher available when their pick came around. “We were prepared to move up to get him, but the board fell our way,” Anthopoulos said during a press conference. “We think he has a chance to move quickly through our system. His makeup is off the charts.”
What’s Next for Carter?
Carter will report to the Braves’ facility in North Port, Florida later this week for medical evaluations and orientation. Barring any delays, he’s expected to make his pro debut in the coming weeks with the High-A Rome Braves. While the organization plans to monitor his innings closely in his first pro season, Carter could move quickly. One team official, speaking on background, suggested the club sees Carter as a “potential fast-track guy,” possibly reaching the big leagues by mid-to-late 2026.
Fan Reaction and Expert Takes
The pick has drawn positive reviews across the league. ESPN draft analyst Kiley McDaniel called Carter “a top-15 talent who slipped because of signability concerns,” while The Athletic’s Keith Law wrote, “This is a high-upside arm with frontline starter potential. Great value for Atlanta at 22.” Braves fans, meanwhile, were quick to embrace the news. #WelcomeLucas and #FutureAce trended locally on X, with fans praising the front office’s continued ability to blend win-now success with smart long-term planning.
A Statement of Intent
With a roster already stacked with stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Spencer Strider, the Braves continue to show their commitment to sustainable success. Adding a top-tier college arm like Carter signals that the Braves aren’t just trying to win in 2025 — they’re building a powerhouse for years to come. “This isn’t just about one draft pick,” said Anthopoulos. “It’s about the future of Braves baseball. And with Lucas, we believe the future just got a lot brighter.”
