The Seattle Mariners announced on Tuesday that they have chosen Jake Brown, an LSU outfielder, with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Brown arrives in the Mariners system after a collegiate career that culminated in a national championship with LSU. He originally committed to the program after a standout high school stint at Sulphur High School in Louisiana, where he was recognized as the top player in the state.
During his freshman year, Brown appeared in 56 games, starting 21 times across center and right field, batting .286 in SEC and NCAA Tournament play with two homers and five RBI. The following season he posted a .320 average, adding nine doubles, two triples, eight homers and 48 RBI while scoring 45 runs.
His senior campaign was cut short by a season‑ending injury, but not before he hit 16 homers, drove in 49 runs and posted an OPS of 1.047, numbers that placed him among the nation’s most productive hitters.
Scouting reports rate Brown as a 50 overall prospect on the 20‑80 scale, labeling him a Major League average player, with power, arm, fielding and speed all graded above average at 55. His hitting tool is considered solid, giving him a realistic chance to become a regular in the majors.
The Mariners hope the addition of Brown will bolster an outfield that has been seeking depth, and his background as a two‑way player at LSU suggests he brings both offensive versatility and defensive reliability.
Scouting Outlook
Analysts note that Brown’s power potential and defensive skill set align well with the Mariners’ recent emphasis on athletic, multi‑dimensional players. His trajectory will be closely watched as he transitions from the College World Series to the minor leagues.
The team’s front office expressed confidence that Brown’s experience in high‑stakes games, including a .385 batting average in a CWS semifinal against Arkansas, will translate into performance at the professional level.