​The second LSU Tiger selected in the 2026 MLB Draft is Jake Brown, the Tigers’ outfielder who went 65th overall to the Seattle Mariners. Brown joins former LSU teammate Kade Anderson in the Pacific Northwest as the Mariners continue their connection with the Bayou state program. Hailing from Sulphur, Louisiana, Brown delivered notable power in a shortened 2026 season, posting 16 home runs across 42 games before his pace was interrupted by an injury.
Brown’s 2026 season was heavily impacted by a broken bone in his hand suffered on April 19 in the matchup against Texas A&M, forcing him to miss the majority of the SEC schedule. Despite the limited exposure, his talent and potential were evident, reinforcing why he was a highly regarded prospect coming out of high school. Brown was selected in the 16th round of the draft out of high school before choosing to enroll at LSU in 2024, a decision that has paid dividends for the Tigers and Brown alike. In his inaugural season with LSU in 2024, Brown showed promise as a role player, contributing to LSU’s success during their championship run. His cumulative college numbers reflect a versatile and productive performer: a .304 batting average, 132 base hits, 20 doubles, 28 home runs, and 110 RBIs. While Brown harbored strong pitching upside in his early scouting report, the field remained his home, and he carved out a reputation as a dynamic outfielder for LSU.
As Brown moves forward, the big question becomes whether he will accept the slot value associated with his draft position, which is just over $1.3 million, or if he will decide to return to Baton Rouge for another collegiate season in hopes of increasing his overall draft stock. The decision is one Brown and his family will weigh carefully, balancing immediate professional opportunity against the potential for additional development and a higher signing bonus down the line.
Scouts who have watched Brown in recent seasons have cited his willingness to compete as one of his defining traits. A scout for the Advocate described him as a player who “plays hard; he’s passionate. I think he can move the ball when he needs to, hit for power when he needs to.” The evaluator also highlighted Brown’s well-rounded skill set: “He can play defense, and he can run. He can do a little bit of everything. He’s a fun player to watch and would be a solid asset for any organization that drafts him.” Such assessments underscore why Brown is viewed as a versatile defender with the potential to contribute across multiple phases of the game.
In the immediate term, Brown joins an organization that has shown interest in developing LSU talents, and his move to Seattle provides him with an opportunity to grow within a system known for valuing athleticism and versatility in the outfield. For LSU fans, Brown’s departure marks the continued emergence of the program’s players into professional baseball, reinforcing the Tigers’ reputation for producing professional-ready talents who can impact the game beyond college.
As the 2026 MLB Draft unfolds, the narrative around Jake Brown centers on two key themes: the immediate opportunity to begin his professional career in Seattle, and the strategic choice about whether to return to LSU for another year in hopes of elevating his draft position and potential signing bonus. Either path holds promise for Brown, whose blend of power, speed, and defensive ability makes him a compelling asset for the Mariners and a potential breakout star for LSU in the years to come. His story remains a testament to the strength of LSU’s baseball pipeline and the enduring appeal of multi-faceted players who can contribute in multiple ways at the professional level.