Auburn’s Cooper McMurray Signs With Braves as Undrafted Free Agent, Becomes Program’s 11th MLB Pickup in 2025
In a story that blends determination, raw talent, and a dream realized, Auburn senior first baseman Cooper McMurray has officially signed with the Atlanta Braves as an undrafted free agent, making him the 11th player from Auburn’s baseball program to land an opportunity with a Major League Baseball organization in 2025. While many eyes were on draft boards and high-profile selections, McMurray’s journey speaks volumes about the value of grit, consistency, and the belief that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed—especially when the right organization is watching.
For Auburn fans and SEC baseball observers, McMurray’s name isn’t unfamiliar. Over his collegiate career, the left-handed slugger became one of the Tigers’ most reliable power bats, showcasing not just his offensive upside but also his defensive consistency at first base. Standing at 6-foot-3 with a naturally powerful frame, McMurray brought both poise and production to Auburn’s lineup during key stretches of the season. Despite not hearing his name called in the 20 rounds of the MLB Draft, it didn’t take long for the Braves to act. According to insiders close to the situation, Atlanta had McMurray high on its priority list of undrafted players and made a compelling case to bring him into their development pipeline.
For Auburn, McMurray’s signing adds another success story to an already impressive year in terms of player advancement. Being the 11th player from the program to sign with an MLB organization this season is a clear indication of the coaching staff’s ability to prepare athletes not only for collegiate competition but for the next level. Search interest around “Cooper McMurray signs with Braves,” “Auburn baseball players 2025 MLB,” and “undrafted free agent signings MLB 2025” has spiked in the Southeast region, especially among Braves fans eager to learn more about their newest additions.
McMurray’s signing is also a strategic win for Atlanta. The Braves, known for their savvy scouting and ability to develop under-the-radar talent, saw in McMurray a player with middle-of-the-order potential who could thrive in a structured, analytics-driven system. His left-handed bat, paired with the potential for 20-plus home run seasons in the minors, gives the Braves another valuable piece in their farm system. And for McMurray, the opportunity to learn from one of the league’s most consistent franchises is a priceless next step in his journey.
The path to this moment wasn’t an easy one. McMurray’s collegiate career featured moments of triumph and adversity. He dealt with injuries early in his tenure but worked relentlessly to return stronger, ultimately producing his best numbers as a senior. Scouts took notice of his improved plate discipline, his ability to drive the ball to all fields, and his leadership presence in the dugout. These intangible assets, coupled with his on-field production, made him a strong candidate for post-draft acquisition—especially by a team like Atlanta that values long-term potential over immediate splash.
While undrafted signings might not carry the same initial buzz as top-round selections, many such players go on to carve out impressive careers in the majors. Players like J.D. Martinez and Kevin Pillar began their professional journeys similarly, reminding fans and scouts alike that the MLB Draft is only one part of the talent evaluation process. With McMurray, the Braves have a player who already understands the grind, has performed in the nation’s most competitive college conference, and brings with him a mature approach to hitting that fits well in today’s evolving game.
From an SEO standpoint, optimizing content around McMurray’s signing involves targeting high-intent, long-tail keywords like “Cooper McMurray Atlanta Braves contract,” “Auburn undrafted MLB free agents 2025,” “Braves sign first baseman Cooper McMurray,” and “MLB undrafted players to watch 2025.” These search terms are currently trending among college baseball enthusiasts, Braves fans, and talent evaluators tracking offseason acquisitions.
But beyond the SEO and digital impact lies a personal narrative that resonates with any athlete who’s ever been overlooked. McMurray’s perseverance, even after not being selected in the draft, reflects a growing reality in baseball: teams are increasingly investing in development rather than raw hype. The Braves’ offer wasn’t just about plugging a roster hole—it was about recognizing upside, character, and the willingness to put in the work. McMurray fits that mold perfectly.
Auburn’s coaching staff responded to the signing with enthusiasm, highlighting McMurray as an example of what the program stands for. Coaches praised his growth, his adaptability, and his impact on younger players throughout the 2025 season. Many believe that McMurray’s presence in the clubhouse and on the field played a key role in Auburn’s ability to stay competitive in the SEC, even during stretches of tough opposition. Now, his legacy continues with the Braves organization—a development that could also bolster Auburn’s recruiting pitch moving forward.
Braves fans will be keeping a close eye on McMurray as he begins his professional career, likely at the Single-A or High-A level. His success there will depend on how well his approach at the plate translates to the faster pace and sharper pitching of the minor leagues. Early scouting reports suggest that McMurray’s strength lies in his ability to recognize spin and adjust mid-at-bat, two key factors that often separate college standouts from future professionals. If he can continue to hone that skill and add consistency to his power game, he may become one of this year’s biggest undrafted steals.
In addition to his on-field skills, McMurray brings a professional mindset that bodes well for his transition. Teammates often spoke about his quiet confidence, his discipline during practice, and his willingness to lead without demanding the spotlight. These traits, often undervalued in prospect reports, are exactly what help players survive—and thrive—through the grind of minor league baseball.
The timing of this signing also reflects an important trend across the MLB landscape: organizations are placing more emphasis on late-bloomers and collegiate veterans. The volatility of prospects drafted as teenagers often leads teams to take measured chances on players like McMurray, who already have years of high-level experience under their belts and arrive with a more refined approach to the game. This shift in strategy benefits both teams looking for high-floor talent and players seeking a clearer path to the majors.
McMurray’s family and community have also celebrated his signing, flooding social media with messages of support and pride. Auburn alumni, fans, and local media outlets have shared tributes and stats, recognizing what this signing means not only for Cooper himself but for the broader Auburn baseball legacy. In a state where football often dominates headlines, McMurray’s rise is helping elevate the visibility and relevance of Auburn’s baseball program—and his story may inspire the next wave of high school recruits deciding where to play their college ball.
As McMurray prepares to report to the Braves organization, his mindset remains focused and optimistic. Interviews since the signing reveal a player grounded in gratitude but driven by the challenge ahead. He’s spoken about learning from Braves greats, pushing himself every day, and staying ready for whatever role the team envisions for him. For a player who just weeks ago was unsure where—or if—his professional career would begin, that clarity is a powerful motivator.
In a league where paths to the majors are as unpredictable as the game itself, Cooper McMurray’s next chapter is only just beginning. By betting on himself and embracing an opportunity others might have overlooked, he now wears the Braves logo proudly, carrying the hopes of a college program, a loyal fan base, and a belief that no dream is ever truly out of reach.
