LSU baseball made history in the MLB draft on Sunday as four of its current players were selected on the first day. Former teammates Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews became the first two players from the same college team to be chosen as the No. 1 and No. 2 picks, respectively.
Skenes, a transfer from the Air Force Academy, was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the overall No. 1 pick. Meanwhile, Crews went second overall to the Washington Nationals. This marks the first time since 2001 that LSU had two players selected in the first round of the draft.
The success of these players highlights the impact of LSU’s baseball program and the talent it continues to cultivate. Skenes expressed his excitement for the future of LSU baseball under the guidance of Coach Jay Johnson, stating, I don’t think it’s done anytime soon. I think it’s going to be a pattern of success for LSU baseball, and I’m really excited to see where the program goes.
In addition to Skenes and Crews, LSU right-hander Ty Floyd was selected 38th overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the competitive balance round. This further demonstrates the depth of talent within the LSU baseball team.
Furthermore, LSU’s top recruit, catcher Blake Mitchell, was selected eighth overall by the Kansas City Royals. Mitchell, who was ranked as the No. 1 player in Texas by Perfect Game, adds to the growing list of LSU players making waves in the MLB draft.
Skenes is expected to receive a signing bonus of $9.72 million as the No. 1 pick, while Crews’ slot value is $9 million. Mitchell’s draft value is valued at $5.98 million, and Floyd is slotted at $2.26 million.
The selection process was not an easy decision for the teams involved. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington acknowledged the tough choice among the top prospects, including Crews and Florida’s Wyatt Langford. However, the Pirates ultimately believe that Skenes is the right choice, considering his capabilities on the field and his desire for continuous improvement.
Skenes finished the season with an outstanding performance, breaking former LSU right-hander Ben McDonald’s SEC and school record of 202 strikeouts by recording 209 strikeouts. He led the nation in strikeouts and WHIP (0.75) and had the second-best ERA nationally at 1.69. He was also named the national college baseball player of the year, receiving the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy.
Meanwhile, Crews won the 2023 Golden Spikes Award, which recognizes the top amateur baseball player based on athletic ability, sportsmanship, character, and overall contribution to the sport. Throughout his three-year career, Crews was a two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and the SEC Male Athlete of the Year. He had an impressive batting average of .426 this season and led the nation in runs scored (100) and walks (71).
The success of these LSU players in the MLB draft is a testament to their hard work, talent, and the guidance they received from the coaching staff. It also solidifies LSU’s reputation as a powerhouse in college baseball.
LSU coach Jay Johnson expressed his pride in the players’ achievements, stating, He had a spectacular season for us…Great fastball at the top of the zone, terrific changeup, and when he had his curveball, he was gonna pile up strikeouts in a big way.”
The future looks bright for LSU baseball as it continues to produce top-tier players who leave a lasting impact on the college baseball scene and beyond. These draft selections serve as a reminder of the program’s success and its ability to attract and develop elite talent.
Overall, LSU’s baseball program has made history once again with four players selected on the first day of the MLB draft. This accomplishment underscores the program’s tradition of excellence and bodes well for the future of LSU baseball.
The LSU Tigers have proven their ability to produce top talent, and it is exciting to see where these players will go as they embark on their professional careers. LSU’s continued success in the MLB draft is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff involved in the program.
