Two former NY Mets pop up in player comps for Braves, Nationals first-round picks

What the New York Mets did during the 2026 MLB Draft matters. Next is what everyone else did. We can specifically care about what the other NL East teams did. The first battle of every season involves getting the best of those four other teams.

According to Bleacher Report’s review of the first round of the draft, the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals may have drafted the future version of two former Mets players. The Braves pick draws a comparison to Michael Conforto while the Nationals' selection is giving off Jeff McNeil vibes.

The Braves have the next Michael Conforto and the Nationals have a budding Jeff McNeil

Forget about how it’s going in 2026. Conforto is a role player for the Chicago Cubs. McNeil is floundering with the Athletics. There was a point, though, when this duo were two of the most important players on the Mets roster. Conforto was a mainstay in the middle of the lineup for several seasons. McNeil was a batting champion and a two-time All-Star.

For the Braves, it’s AJ Gracia who gets the Conforto comp. The left-handed hitting outfielder from New Brunswick, NJ showed a good eye in college, drawing more walks than he struck out. His scouting report gives him credit for quality pitch selection with a belief he might stick in center field. Having experienced Conforto, we understand there's a good chance Gracia ends up in a corner spot.

The Nationals get a second baseman, Chris Hacopian. Although a right-handed hitter, the comparison to McNeil seems to be based on a strong ability to make contact and play multiple positions.

The McNeil comparison is far stranger as he went to the Mets in the 12th round. Conforto, meanwhile, was the 10th overall pick by New York. Gracia was 9th. What's more, Hacopian has "raw power" in his scouting report. McNeil didn't hit a single home run at Long Beach State.

Career trajectories probably won’t mimic these two ex-Mets as Conforto rushed through the minors as a high-profile prospect. McNeil was a non-prospect who earned his recognition on performance. Gracia and Hacopian will join their new teams with high expectations. Gracia is expected to zoom through the minors.

Players comps only give a slight idea of what to expect from players. Mets fans will never forget when Harold Reynolds called Brett Baty “Freddie Freeman with power” when he was taken. Something tells me Gracia could be another Conforto. Hacopian appears less inclined to follow McNeil's lead.

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