The Atlanta Braves head into the All-Star break with momentum after edging the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 on Sunday in their final game before the midseason pause. While the victory allowed Atlanta to close the first half on a high note, the Braves still dropped two of three games in the series in St. Louis.
Now, the organization’s attention has shifted toward the future.
Earlier this week, Atlanta selected right-handed pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn out of Kingsburg (Calif.) with the 84th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Following the selection, MLB Draft highlighted the pick on social media, writing:
“With their 3rd-round pick (No. 84 overall), the @Braves select Kingsburg (CA) right-handed pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn, No. 56 on the Top 250 Draft prospects list.”
The Braves have now officially signed the highly regarded pitching prospect—and they made a significant financial commitment to do so.
According to Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo:
“The Braves signed third-round RHP Jensen Hirschkorn to a $3,997,500 deal. Slot value for the 84th overall pick is $973,700. A $3,023,800 over-slot deal.”
The signing bonus is one of the most eye-catching of the draft, underscoring just how highly Atlanta values Hirschkorn. By offering nearly $4 million—more than four times the slot value for the pick—the Braves demonstrated they view the 6-foot-7 right-hander as a first-round caliber talent despite landing him in the third round.
Fans and Analysts Praise the Move
News of Hirschkorn’s signing quickly generated excitement across social media, with many praising Atlanta’s front office for aggressively pursuing one of the draft’s top high school arms.
One fan wrote:
“Easily a first round talent. Great job by the Braves FO.”
Another added:
“I think he’s absolutely awesome. Didn’t expect this big of a deal though. Wow.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, including one supporter who posted:
“Basically a 1st round talent the Braves drafted and signed in the third Love this draft and the process”
The signing also caught the attention of those following LSU baseball, as Hirschkorn was committed to the Tigers before choosing to begin his professional career.
One user joked:
“Lsu lost Cam. Lsu lost Briggs. Now Lsu lost Jensen. Lsu is not a braves fan lol.”
Braves analyst Jake Mastroianni summed up the organization’s confidence in the young pitcher by posting:
“Braves must REALLY believe in Hirschkorn.”
Meanwhile, Gabe Camarillo pointed out just how substantial the signing bonus was:
“6-foot-7 Kingsburg pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn has made his decision! Braves paid him close to $4 million to sign him away from LSU… that signing bonus is higher than the slot value for the Braves’ No. 26 first round pick!”
Braves Enter Break in Strong Position
While the organization continues investing in its future, the major league club remains focused on a postseason push.
Atlanta enters the All-Star break atop the National League East with a 55-40 record through 95 games. The Braves are 5-5 over their last 10 contests and currently hold a two-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the division standings.
Following the break, Atlanta will return to Truist Park on Friday to begin a home series against the Texas Rangers, looking to build on its division lead as the second half of the season gets underway.