The Atlanta Braves executed a very bold strategy in the 2026 MLB Draft. After taking AJ Gracia with the ninth overall pick, followed by Indiana State outfielder Carter Beck in the second round, it was clear that the Braves were opting for a pair of under-slot picks to make a splash later in the draft. That proved correct after Atlanta picked three high-ceiling prep arms in a row that wouldn't be cheap, followed by others in the sixth and 11th rounds. However, there are some concerns with at least one of those picks right out of the gate.
Of all the over-slot picks the Braves made, the one that is the most highly regarded (and the most expensive) was California prep righty Jensen Hirschkorn. At 6'7 and 205 pounds, Hirschkorn already has a mid-90s fastball with room for more as he fills out, a wicked slider that has the makings of a plus pitch, and a changeup that has shown promise. It is hardly surprising that the Braves were willing to pay a rumored $3.5-4 million to bring Hirschkorn into the fold.
One of the reasons why Hirshkorn is such an expensive signing is that he is also an LSU commit, and that means there are probably some big-time NIL dollars in play as well. After being drafted in the third round, Hirschkorn made some comments that seemed to indicate that he was uncertain as to whether or not he would sign with the Braves. However, fans shouldn't worry too much just yet.
Just finished talking to @Braves 3rd round pick, Jensen Hirschkorn. The Kingsburg-born RHP is mulling a decision between LSU and Atlanta.
— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) July 12, 2026
He couldn’t go in detail on the money offered from both sides, but hear why it is “the toughest decision of my life”… tonight on @KMPHFOX26. pic.twitter.com/O5DnMdR5i0
Top draft pick Jensen Hirschkorn's comments on "toughest decision" of his life doesn't mean Braves need to worry
Obviously, it would have been better if Hirschkorn had come right out and said that he would be signing with the Braves. By calling this the "toughest decision" of his life, it injects uncertainty into the proceedings and is a reminder that LSU has a bunch of very rich boosters that are happy to throw their money around to get guys to campus. Clearly, Hirschkorn has a big chunk of change on the table from both sides.
However, that doesn't mean anyone needs to panic just yet. Sure, Hirschkorn's public comments expressed uncertainty, but he also could just be trying to soften the blow to an LSU program that he clearly has a lot of affection for. Very, very few draft picks that get picked this high fail to sign, with Braves first-round pick Carter Stewart back in 2018 being one of the rare exceptions.
Moreover, that the Braves picked Hirschkorn at all shows they have received many assurances that he would put ink to paper here. Atlanta didn't pick a back-up plan in the later rounds that they could throw a bunch of money at if he didn't sign, and if Hirschkorn backs out after agreeing to sign, both he and his agent are not going to be looked upon favorably by the league down the line. It also seems to be a little silly that a prep pitcher, a demographic that is notorious for having a high failure rate and injury risk, would turn down what is essentially first-round money.
That said, if the Braves DO lose Hirschkorn, the assessment of their draft class and strategy would change dramatically, and it wouldn't be for the better.
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