Omaha’s Team, MLB Pipeline: LSU’s Potential Future First-Rounders From The 2025 Roster

June. College World Series. LSU.

Just kinda flows, right?

LSU Baseball punched their ticket to Omaha last night, the second time in four years in the Jay Johnson era, and this team is packed with talent.

LSU Baseball/X

Jay always says a version of LSU being the only place he would have left his last team for, and rightfully so.

Baseball is just bigger at LSU. And for good reason: this program doesn't just chase Omaha appearances and national championships. It’s creates legacy.

From Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews to Kevin Gausman, Aaron Nola, and Alex Bregman—LSU has built a reputation as the premier incubator of major league talent.

I’ve seen it firsthand. I was fortunate enough to play with guys like Jared Mitchell, Mikie Mahtook, DJ LeMahieu (somehow was not a first rounder), and later watch Gausman and Alex Lange come in behind me after I left for pro ball.

We all took different paths, but we were built by the same environment—one that teaches you how to win, how to carry yourself like a pro, and how to prepare for the major leagues.

That’s what makes this 2025 roster so exciting. Because this isn’t just a team with championship potential—it’s a team loaded with guys I believe will one day be household names on TV.

So with Omaha on deck and the MLB Draft fast approaching, here are a few players I believe have legitimate first-round upside—and why.

Lefty Ace Rising: Why Kade Anderson Could Be the No. 1 Pick in the MLB Draft

There’s something special about being LSU’s Friday night guy.

It’s more than just a rotation slot. It means you’ve earned the trust to toe the rubber under the lights, in front of 12,000 at the Box, and often against the SEC’s best arm across from you. To keep that job, you have to be more than talented—you have to be a winner.

You’ve got to go deep into games, pitch through adversity, and find a way to neutralize elite lineups multiple times through the order.

That’s exactly why I’ve been high on Kade Anderson for a while now—and why I think he has a real shot to go No. 1 overall in this year’s MLB Draft.

From “Sunday Starter” to No. 1 Overall?

I said it on Beyond the Box last year with Abby Alonzo: even as a freshman, I wanted to see Kade in the weekend rotation.

Yeah, he had some struggles in SEC play, but I saw the tools—a four-pitch mix, feel for sequencing, and a delivery that screamed projection. Back then, I had him pegged as a potential No. 2 starter in the big leagues and a sneaky mid-first-rounder. Something in the 15–20 range felt right.

Fast-forward to June 2025, and that prediction’s aging pretty well. Kade’s not just a first-rounder anymore—he might be the first name off the board. Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com recently projected him No. 1 overall to the Washington Nationals, and it’s not hard to see why.

• 9–1, 3.28 ERA, 156 K in 96 IP

• .192 BAA, elite strike-throwing, and command of all four pitches

• Fastball ticking up to 95–96 mph during Regionals

That velocity bump changes the whole conversation.

What Makes Him Special?

From the jump, Kade’s had an elite foundation. His fastball sits 92–94 mph with natural carry, and the deception out of his crossfire left-handed delivery plays up even more.

Maybe it's because I could never throw one, but it’s the changeup that’s always been the separator for me—a real feel pitch with fade and depth, especially devastating to right-handed hitters.

This year, he’s added another breaking ball—that complements his bigger, sweeper-type curveball (it's tough to know what exactly they're calling these pitches without public access to the analytics).

That addition alone puts him in a different tier. In today’s game, you need that harder breaking pitch to survive and thrive at the next level.

So now he’s got:

• A fastball with ride and life (up to 96)

• A plus changeup with feel

• A curveball/sweeper to disrupt timing, and steal strikes (one of the biggest keys to being a good starter in the show)

• A developing slider that gives him a legit weapon into righties, and that goes off the fastball to lefties

That’s a big-league pitch mix—one that’s mature, durable, and ready.

The MLB Comps: Cole Hamels Meets Robbie Ray

The comp that hits home for me is Cole Hamels. I got to see him daily when I played with him in Texas, and there are a lot of similiarities when I watch Kade take the bump.

The delivery, the rhythm, the way the ball comes out of his hand—all of it brings me back to watching Cole carve in big spots. Hamels had elite poise, knew how to use a four-pitch mix, and could consistently give you 6–8 innings against the best lineups in baseball. That’s what I see when I watch Kade.

A more modern comp?

Robbie Ray—when healthy. They’re different stylistically (Robbie’s delivery is more rotational and up and down rotation versus side to side), but both feature a low-to-mid 90s heater with deceptive life and an 83–84 mph breakers they trust to miss bats. Ray’s fastball plays way up because of how it gets on hitters—Kade’s does too, both because of the way they mix their offspeed and can elevate their fastballs.

Fast Track to The Show?

What’s most impressive to me is how fast Kade has adjusted.

He’s only a sophomore—but draft-eligible—and has clearly learned what it means to be the guy on Friday nights in the SEC. That experience matters. That maturity matters.

And it’s why I think he could climb through the minor leagues quickly—especially if he ends up in an organization like Washington, where he can join a young, fun team and bolster their rotation.

You’re not drafting tools and hoping it clicks. You’re drafting a pitcher who’s already figured out how to win.

Before the season, I thought Kade Anderson could sneak into the first round. Now, I’d be shocked if he’s not a top-five pick. His velocity’s up, his arsenal is polished, and his demeanor screams big-league readiness.

And if he does go No. 1? Don’t be surprised when you see him pitching in the majors by 2026—because guys like Skenes and Crews sure didn’t take long, and neither will Anderson.

Jared Jones (1B/DH)

Projected Draft Range: Late 1st – Early 2nd | MLB Comp: Matt Olson from the right side

Jared Jones is built to mash baseballs. Always has been. But this year, we saw a more complete hitter.

The home run totals may have dipped slightly (still has plenty of games if things go right in Omaha), but his approach has improved. He will continue to get better with pitch recognition, but his plate discipline tightened. When he uses all fields and lets the ball travel in the strike zone, that swing is very dangerous. And now, heading into Omaha with a little momentum from better post season play, he’s heating up at the right time.

If Jared hits a couple balls into orbit at Charles Schwab Field, and then lights it up at the Draft Combine/pre-draft workouts, I think he can sneak into the first round. The raw power is real—we’re talking 40-HR upside at the next level if it clicks.

Some team that values batted-ball data, launch angle, and swing efficiency will fall in love with him. He’s made real adjustments in the SEC, and I’m fired up to watch where he goes.

Anthony Eyanson (RHP)

Projected Draft Range: 2nd – 3rd Round (Sleeper 1st Round) | MLB Comp: Nathan Eovaldi (with reliever upside)

Eyanson might be one of the biggest surprises on the staff this year. A transfer from the west coast who stepped right into the SEC fire—and became LSU’s Saturday guy with electric stuff.

The fastball can touch 97–98, sits mid-90s. His curveball has big shape, and I think with some development, he could add a harder slider or even a power changeup/splitter. The big question is whether he’s a starter or reliever long-term—but either way, he’s a weapon.

I think some teams could project him as a back-end starter (No. 3/4 type) if he develops that right mix. Others may see an elite, high-leverage bullpen arm.

The delivery has some effort, but he competes, a lot. If a team believes in their pitching development, I wouldn’t be shocked if someone jumps the line and takes him late in the first.

Derek Curiel (OF – Draft Eligible 2026)

Projected Draft Range: 2026 Top 20 | MLB Comp: Christian Yelich (19-year-old version + projection)

Simply put, Curiel probably should have been SEC Freshman of the Year. He’s not super flashy (but not afraid to tell everyone where he thinks a pitch is haha), but if you love baseball, you notice him every game. Bat-to-ball, strike zone discipline, situational awareness—he’s special.

I played against Christian Yelich early in pro ball, and Derek gives me those vibes. Skinny frame, advanced approach, incredible feel for the zone. Derek was one of USA Baseball’s prodigies coming out of high school, and he’s already showing why.

The question for scouts will be: does he grow into more power? If he adds 10–15 lbs and turns his projected 10–15 HRs into 20+, then we’re looking at a potential top 10 guy. Even if he doesn’t, his floor is a high-contact, high-IQ outfielder who could hit .300+ at the next level.

Casan Evans (RHP – Draft Eligible 2026/2027*)

Projected Draft Range: 2027 Mid-to-High 1st | MLB Comp: Young Roy Halladay

Casan Evans doesn’t always get lumped into the media spotlight like some of LSU’s other young arms—but if you know baseball, you see it. He’s been a high-leverage arm this year, working both as a starter and reliever, and he carries himself with the kind of quiet confidence and attack mentality you love to see.

He sits 94–96 mph with life, and while I’d need to dig into some advanced metrics to know if it's more of a sinker or a ride fastball, what stands out is the tempo, the grit, and the efficiency of his delivery.

When I watch him, I think of a young Roy Halladay—that quick pace, aggressive zone approach, and ability to mix in secondary pitches when needed. If he continues to develop into a weekend guy next year, his draft stock could soar.

William Schmidt (LHP – Draft Eligible 2027)

Projected Draft Range: 2027 Mid-to-Late 1st | MLB Comp: need more eyes on him

Photo: LSU

Let’s be clear: Schmidt has stuff. The 6'4" righty out of Baton Rouge was one of the most highly touted arms in his class and reportedly turned down around $5 million to come to LSU. That kind of profile brings pressure—and he handled it admirably this season, even if he wasn’t quite ready to lock down a weekend role.

We saw him primarily in midweek starts, where he flashed a fastball sitting 94–96 mph, with some reports suggesting he’s touched 97–98. His curveball spins well and has real potential, but the next big step is command—both in terms of locating it in the zone and knowing when to deploy it as an out pitch.

The talent is obvious. The size, pedigree, and arsenal will always have scouts circling. But whether he becomes a top-5 pick or just a solid first-rounder will depend on how he develops his sequencing, sharpens his command, and grows into that frontline starter role.

Mavrick Rizy (RHP – Draft Eligible 2027)

Projected Draft Range: 2027 Top 10 | MLB Comp: Tyler Glasnow (with command TBD)

Rizy is a unicorn. He’s 6'9", throws 98/99, and is still figuring it all out. But when you have that kind of frame and velocity, every scout in the country takes notice.

It’s hard to make comps this early, but Glasnow is the only one that fits for me right now. The key will be: does he develop command and how do his secondary pitches develop? Because the ceiling is sky-high.

He pitched valuable innings as a true freshman and to be able to control his body and repeat his delivery/arm action the way he does is really what stood out to me.

That’s really hard to do, trust me— I’m a washed up first-rounder because of it!

But, Rizy could easily be a top-10 pick if it all clicks.

Bonus Shoutouts

Chase Shores might be the biggest wild card. We know the stuff and potential. We saw him touch 101 mph in the Super Regional—and if he does that again in Omaha, it could change everything. He’s draft-eligible this year, and if a team is willing to bet on raw power, athleticism, and size (6’8/9”), I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team throw a good amount of money at him.

LSU freshman catcher Cade Arrambide from Texas came in highly touted and will likely be the starting catcher next year. His pedigree and raw skills could shoot him up draft boards if he develops here as well.

Final Thoughts

LSU doesn’t just send guys to Omaha. It sends them to The Show.

This program builds first-rounders. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. And what we’re watching right now with this 2025 roster? It’s a continuation of that tradition.

Kade Anderson is leading the charge, but he’s not alone. Jared Jones, Eyanson, Curiel, Schmidt, Rizy—they all have that thing scouts are looking for. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but I’ve been around enough big leaguers to know what it looks like when it’s real.

So, when you’re watching Omaha this week, pay attention. Because a few of these guys? You’ll be seeing them again real soon—this time under big league lights.

Invested in Their Career?

If you're reading this and find yourself rooting for guys like Kade Anderson, Jared Jones, or Derek Curiel—not just because they’re Tigers, but because you believe in them—then the question becomes: how can you support their journey beyond cheering from the stands?

When I played at LSU, the fans who left a lasting impression on me weren’t the ones asking for things—they were the ones offering support without expecting anything in return. Maybe they brought a homemade painting, or saved a physical ticket stub from a big night at the Box, or just followed along on social and sent a kind message after a tough outing. Those things stick with players.

It's what makes LSU, LSU.

In today’s world, there are real ways to invest in a player’s career while also helping build their brand:

• Collect early cards — Some of these guys already have Team USA or NIL issues through Panini, Leaf, or Onyx.

• Save physical tickets/programs from key games—especially in Omaha.

• Follow their socials, learn who they are off the field, and amplify their stories.

• Create value—whether it's custom art, a quick meal, an NIL deal, creative media, or respectful interaction that reminds them they’re more than just stats.

And above all—do it with boundaries. These players are young men navigating pressure and growth. The best fans are the ones who lift without demanding, and support without smothering.

I’ll be dropping a full post Thursday with some fun, creative ideas on how to invest in their careers without ever making it weird.

Let’s build their legacy the right way! Geaux Tigers.