The Atlanta Braves pulled off one of their most creative draft classes in years, using bonus pool savings to make history with a pair of record-breaking signings.
The big story is Jensen Hirschkorn. Atlanta signed the 6-foot-7 right-hander to a $4 million bonus—the largest ever given to a player drafted after the second round.
That’s serious money for a high schooler, but the Braves clearly see something special in the California native. His fastball already touches 96 mph, and scouts expect more velocity as he fills out that lanky frame. What makes him different is the secondary stuff—a swing-and-miss slider and an upper-80s changeup that gives him legitimate front-of-the-rotation upside.
Even Dylan Lee took notice, welcoming his fellow Central Valley native to the organization on social media.
But Atlanta wasn’t done spending.
They also signed seventh-round pick Jack Brenner away from Oklahoma with a $1.25 million bonus, tying the record for highest signing bonus ever given to a seventh-round selection. The Wisconsin prep catcher impressed with advanced contact skills and a compact right-handed swing that should translate well behind the plate.
So how’d they afford it? The Braves got creative later in the draft. College seniors Jacob Jerrell, Parker Brosius and Ben Zeigler-Namoa each signed for just $500, saving the club more than $650,000 in bonus pool money to fund the bigger signings.
First-round outfielder AJ Gracia brings some of the best raw power in the entire draft after starring at Duke and Virginia. His patient approach and left-handed pop give him middle-of-the-order potential, even if he ends up in a corner outfield spot.
Then there’s Kaiden McCarthy, who might have the highest ceiling of anyone in this class. The Vermont Academy right-hander can reach 99 mph while flashing a high-spin curveball, slider and changeup. He’s 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. It’s the kind of draft class that could look really smart in a few years if even half of these prospects hit their ceilings.
