The Seattle Mariners have selected OF Jake Brown out of Louisiana State University with their 2nd round pick, the 65th overall selection of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Seattle’s second pick of the draft is another college hitter, a 21 year old who was reared in Louisiana and then carried forward to a strong on campus career. He’s a lefty hitter with a strong left arm and ample pop, who was a key contributor to last year’s College World Series champion team and took another step forward in 2026 but broke his
hamate bone in his right hand in April this year which cost him a sizable chunk of the season and much of his power upon return. That’s a near-universal consequence with hamate injuries that tends to resolve a year or so after the injury, but it did drive Brown out of first round consideration and into the range for Seattle to select him 65th overall.
MLB Pipeline had Brown as their 59th overall prospect, while Baseball America had him 81st.
The Mariners have to like Brown’s swing from the left side, which much like their first rounder Ace Reese comes as a successful build for a slugger from the SEC. Despite a swing that is tastefully line-drive geared, the 6’2, 205 lefty manages to meet the ball out in front frequently and absolutely loses the ball on frequent occasions. Brown’s profile is a balanced one, with good foot speed that should allow him to cover every position in the outfield. His arm is potent enough to be plus in right field as needed, offering an additional bonus to his defensive profile.
There are concerns for Brown around whether he’ll consistently make contact, as his best numbers came earlier in the season against non-conference opponents, however that was also prior to his injury. Seattle could quickly see Brown playing in affiliated ball, although his hand health will need to guide his rate of ascension.
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