Atlanta Braves
· 2026-07-12
Atlanta Braves announced the selection of LSU left‑handed pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn in the 2026 MLB Draft, bolstering a rotation that helped the club sit 3rd in the National League with a 54‑40 record and a two‑game losing streak.
Jensen Hirschkorn, a 2025 high‑school graduate now committed to LSU, posted a 2.85 ERA and 78 strikeouts over 68 innings last season. The 6‑2 right‑hander throws a mid‑90 fastball and a sharp slider, drawing attention from scouts across the league. His college commitment underscores a pipeline the Braves have cultivated in the Southeast.
The Braves’ rotation has been thin after injuries to key starters, and Hirschkorn offers a controllable, high‑upside arm. Adding a left‑handed pitcher gives manager Brian Snitker flexibility in matchups, especially against left‑handed heavy lineups in the NL West. The club’s recent 4‑1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 11 highlighted the need for fresh arms.
He will likely report to the High‑A Rome team, where former Braves prospect Ian Anderson refined his mechanics. The organization expects Hirschkorn to work on command and secondary pitches before a possible promotion to Double‑A Mississippi. If he follows the typical development curve, he could be on a major‑league radar by 2028.
Atlanta sits 3rd in the NL at 54‑40, riding a two‑game losing streak after the Cardinals defeat. The draft pick doesn’t affect the current roster, but it signals a commitment to depth as the club eyes a postseason push. With the trade deadline looming, the Braves may use Hirschkorn as a future asset in potential deals.
He won’t debut this season, but the Braves’ scouting department plans a summer showcase at Truist Park in August. Fans can expect a press conference where Hirschkorn will discuss his transition from LSU to professional baseball, offering a glimpse of the talent pipeline fueling Atlanta’s long‑term competitiveness.