Rising pitching sensation Jensen Hirschkorn, initially committed to LSU baseball, has officially been selected by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft, marking a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career. This selection, the 84th overall, positions him to likely embark on a professional journey rather than joining the LSU Tigers' collegiate roster. His impressive stature and pitching prowess have already garnered significant attention within the baseball world.
LSU Baseball Star Jensen Hirschkorn Drafted by Atlanta Braves
In a significant development for the baseball world on Saturday, July 11, 2026, Jensen Hirschkorn, a highly anticipated signee for LSU baseball, was chosen by the Atlanta Braves as the 84th overall pick during the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft. This selection makes Hirschkorn the second LSU commit to be drafted this year, following Logan Schmidt's earlier selection. Industry experts widely anticipate that Hirschkorn, a formidable right-handed pitcher, will opt for a professional contract, thus foregoing his collegiate career with Coach Jay Johnson and the LSU Tigers.
Hirschkorn, standing at an imposing 6-foot-7 and weighing 205 pounds, is renowned for his commanding presence on the pitcher's mound. Prior to the draft, MLB Pipeline recognized his exceptional talent, ranking him as the 56th best overall prospect in the 2026 draft class. His projected signing bonus at the 84th pick was estimated at a substantial $973,700.
The young pitcher already boasts a sophisticated three-pitch repertoire, highlighted by a blazing fastball that consistently clocks in at 95-96 mph with minimal apparent effort. Baseball scouts are particularly optimistic about his future, believing that as he continues to mature physically and build strength, his fastball velocity could well reach the coveted triple-digit mark. Recognizing the potential challenge of securing Hirschkorn for their college team, LSU's coaching staff, including head coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie, have proactively sought experienced right-handed pitchers from the transfer portal. This offseason, they successfully added Landon Hood from Gonzaga, Diego Velazquez from USC, and Kaden Smith from South Florida to bolster their pitching rotation. In addition to Hirschkorn, LSU's 2026 signing class also includes five other promising right-handed pitchers: Cooper Sides, Dylan Blomker, Kolby Stringer, Coleton Brady, and Braydon Wisener, with the expectation that most will ultimately join the Tigers' program.
The drafting of Jensen Hirschkorn by the Atlanta Braves underscores the high stakes and rapid transitions in modern baseball. For aspiring college athletes, the decision between pursuing professional dreams directly or honing skills at the collegiate level is a complex one, heavily influenced by draft position and financial incentives. Hirschkorn's choice to potentially bypass LSU highlights the allure of professional baseball and the comprehensive scouting efforts by MLB teams to secure top-tier talent. This event also reflects LSU's strategic foresight in recruiting a deep and talented pitching class, preparing for various scenarios while continuing to build a competitive team.
