The Atlanta Braves once again proved they are willing to think outside the box during the MLB Draft, using a creative signing strategy to assemble one of the organization’s most intriguing draft classes in recent memory.
After freeing up bonus pool money early in the draft, Atlanta made history by signing high school right-hander Jensen Hirschkorn to a $4 million bonus—the largest ever awarded to a player selected after the second round. The aggressive investment underscored how highly the Braves value the 6-foot-7 California native, whose fastball has touched 96 mph and is expected to gain even more velocity as he matures physically.
Hirschkorn’s arsenal already features two standout secondary pitches: a swing-and-miss slider and an upper-80s changeup that gives him legitimate front-of-the-rotation potential. His selection even caught the attention of Braves reliever Dylan Lee, who quickly welcomed his fellow Central Valley native to the organization.
Atlanta wasn’t finished spending.
The Braves also signed seventh-round pick Jack Brenner away from his commitment to defending NCAA champion Oklahoma with a $1.25 million bonus, tying the highest signing bonus ever given to a seventh-round selection. The Wisconsin prep standout impressed scouts with his advanced contact skills, compact right-handed swing and developing defensive ability behind the plate.
To make those significant bonuses possible, Atlanta found savings later in the draft. College seniors Jacob Jerrell, Parker Brosius and Ben Zeigler-Namoa each signed for just $500, allowing the club to save more than $650,000 in bonus pool money.
MLB is buzzing after the Braves landed this loaded draft class
The Braves also landed several other intriguing prospects.
First-round outfielder AJ Gracia brings some of the best raw power in the draft after starring at Duke and Virginia. His patient approach and left-handed power give him the profile of a future middle-of-the-order bat despite likely settling into a corner outfield role.
Right-hander Kaiden McCarthy may possess the highest ceiling of the class. The Vermont Academy standout can reach 99 mph with his fastball while flashing a high-spin curveball, slider and changeup that make him one of the most electric prep arms available.
From polished college hitters to high-upside prep stars, Atlanta blended immediate depth with long-term potential. If even a few of these prospects reach their ceilings, the Braves’ 2026 draft could be remembered as one of the franchise’s best in years.