The Arizona Diamondbacks chose to go with a productive infielder in Carson Kerce for their second-round pick.
The 2026 MLB Draft came and went over the weekend, preceding what was an eventful All-Star break that began on Monday. During the draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks did their due diligence in selecting players that would be beneficial to the future of the organization.
After selecting catcher Ryder Helfrick with the 15th pick in the first round and right-hander Blake Bryant in the Competitive Balance-A round, Arizona opted to go with another position player in the second round by selecting Carson Kerce with the 53rd pick.
Kerce, a shortstop out of Georgia Tech, comes to the Diamondbacks’ organization after spending three seasons with the Yellow Jackets from 2024-2026. As a freshman, he appeared in 50 games while starting in 35 of them.
Kerce was solid player for Georgia Tech
According to his college profile, Kerce hit .282 with 25 RBIs and a pair of home runs. By his sophomore season in 2025, Kerce's game took off.
During the campaign, Kerce played in all 60 games while starting in 59 of them. Most of his reps came at third base, in which he made 44 starts, but he also spent time at second base (10 starts) and shortstop (five starts).
Kerce’s defensive acumen made him one of the best infielders in the Atlantic Coast Conference during the season. Additionally, he earned the best numbers of his collegiate career at the plate by producing a .313 batting average, a .411 on-base percentage and a .475 slugging percentage.
When it came to extra-base hits in 2025, Kerce was also dominant. In 198 at-bats, he contributed 20 doubles, which made him one of three players on the roster to hit at least 20 in the season. Kerce’s contribution helped Georgia Tech lead the nation with 149 doubles while also making it the only Power 4 Program with three players to hit 20-plus doubles.
In 61 games (all starts) in 2026 with the Yellow Jackets, Kerce hit .379 in 237 at-bats with 11 home runs and 29 doubles. In his three seasons at Georgia Tech, Kerce's average fielding percentage came out to .954.
According to his MLB.com profile, Kerce, 21, is considered by scouts to have been "the most underrated player in Georgia Tech’s deep lineup."
He is praised for his discipline at the plate and ability to make consistent contact, and while his power is not a strong suit, it is proven that he can and will produce doubles, which will benefit both him and his teammates who are on the base paths.
All told, Kerce's overall ranking came out to 45, and he is a very solid choice for the Diamondbacks in the second round.
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