The Signees: How LSU Baseball's Recruiting Class Looks After MLB Draft

It’s no secret LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson is an elite-level recruiter, and after assembling the No. 1 recruiting class in the 2023 cycle, he reloaded his roster once again.

But the MLB Draft can change things. Players can be selected, and if their value is met, have the opportunity to depart to begin their professional journey.

For the Tigers, it’s clear this program lucked out over the last few days with only one member of its 2023 recruiting class being selected on Day 1 of the draft. Blake Mitchell, the top prospect in LSU’s class, was selected No. 8 overall to the Kansas City Royals.

Here’s a recap of LSU’s signees who were picked during the 2023 MLB Draft and their chances of making it to campus:

Blake Mitchell - No. 8 Overall to the Kansas City Royals

Mitchell entered the draft as MLB Pipeline’s No. 14 Draft prospect due to his track record in high school and on the U.S. junior team. He’s been as dominant of a prospect as there is, and entering the draft, Coach Johnson knew it would be a challenge to get him to campus.

For the Royals, they took a gamble when it came to drafting a high school catcher, but there’s optimism Mitchell will sign below the $5,980,100 slot value. If accomplished, it’s a major win for the organization.

The proof is in the product: Mitchell won Gatorade State Player of the Year honors in both 2022 and 2023 while pushing Sinton to a Texas 4A title during his junior season.

This season, he hit .474 with 14 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBIs, posting a 1.543 OPS with 35 stolen bases, 51 walks and just eight strikeouts.

“You talk about all the facets of his game -- he’s intelligent, he’s got makeup, he’s tough, he’s built right,” Royals Scouting Director Danny Ontiveros said of Mitchell. “It’s a double-plus arm. He can hit for power. He runs. He just did everything. … We got a lot of looks, and he never disappointed.

“I think he’s going to be an impact player, middle-of-the-order bat, and his leadership fits everything else.”

When it comes to Mitchell making his way to campus for LSU, it’s a no go. The coveted prospect will sign with the Royals and begin his professional journey.

“I’m going to be a Royal,” Mitchell told the media after being selected. “I can’t wait.”

Cam Johnson - 20th Round to the St. Louis Cardinals

Left-hander Cam Johnson was drafted in the 20th round by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 605th pick. A prospect who slipped well below his value, this quickly became a major win for Coach Johnson and the Tigers.

Johnson is the No. 2 overall LHP in the nation from his class, according to Perfect Game. The IMG Academy-product was rated the No. 42 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline entering the draft.

All signs point towards Johnson making his way to campus and suiting up in the purple and gold.

Ashton Larson - 20th Round to the Minnesota Twins

Outfielder Ashton Larson was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 20th Round with the 597th overall pick. He was the No. 1 overall player in Kansas and No. 13 outfielder nationally, according to Perfect Game.

Larson will be a player the Tigers are sweating things out for, but as it stands, it appears unlikely he signs with the Twins and makes his way to Baton Rouge.

Prospects have only 14 days after they are selected to put pen to paper. If unable to agree on a deal, they will make their way to college.

Jake Brown - 16th Round to the Texas Rangers

Left-handed pitcher Jake Brown, the No. 1 overall player and left-hander in the state of Louisiana, was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 16th round.

Entering the MLB Draft, Brown’s asking price was high, and appears to not have been met. Brown will make his way to Baton Rouge as it stands.

For LSU to get the elite-level talent to campus gives the Tigers a massive piece to their pitching rotation for the foreseeable future. A certified star, to sway him away from the Rangers once again gives Coach Johnson a gifted force moving forward.

The 2023 Signees:

Steve Milam (SS) - No. 1 Player in New Mexico, No. 113 Overall

Kade Anderson (LHP/OF) - No. 2 Player in Louisiana, No. 130 Overall

Trenton Lape (3B) - No. 3 Player in Louisiana, No. 132 Overall

MJ Seo (SS/RHP) - No. 16 Player in Texas, No. 160 Overall

Derrick Mitchell (OF) - No. 18 Player in Texas, No. 187 Overall

Austen Roellig (SS/2B) - No. 37 Player in California

Dallas Dale II (OF/1B) - No. 54 Player in Florida

Griffin Cooley (OF) - No. 45 Player in Louisiana

Ryan Kucherak (SS/3B) - No. 15 Player in Arizona

Dylan Thompson (SS) - No. 11 Player in Louisiana

*All Rankings According To Perfect Game*