The 2026 MLB Draft will kick off on Saturday afternoon, with coverage beginning at 1:00 ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
LSU Baseball enters the draft season with one of the nation’s most acclaimed signing classes, a group that PerfectGame ranks second overall, boasting 23 commitments and 11 players inside the top‑100.
Yet the allure of professional contracts continues to pull many of the highest‑rated prospects away from college, as teams and agents weigh sign‑on bonuses against the traditional route of campus development.
Among those who have already signaled their intent to forgo the college route are outfielder Nathaneal Davis and left‑handed pitcher Braxton Beaty, who have informed MLB they will be withdrawing from the draft. Their decisions underscore a broader shift that has seen LSU benefit from high‑school stars spurning the draft for other opportunities.
The conversation around LSU’s class spotlights a handful of standout prospects. Logan Schmidt, the No. 45 overall prospect, is projected to hear his name called by the Colorado Rockies, while Jensen Hirschkorn, a 6‑7 right‑hander with a 97 MPH fastball, sits among the top‑60. Malachi Washington, prized for his athleticism, speed and power, is considered a near‑lock for a professional slot, and Dominc Santarelli’s plus‑plus power has earned him the No. 41 projection from the Chicago White Sox.
Other names surfacing in the mix include Anthony Murphy, lauded for his defensive prowess, Will Adams, a two‑way lefty who may settle into a position player role, and Cooper Sides, the No. 100 prospect who appears likely to depart for the minors. Pitcher Kolby Stringer’s rapid rise, fueled by a 92‑97 MPH fastball and a nation‑leading 202 strikeouts in 81 innings, caught the eye of recruiter Jay Johnson after a sweep by Mississippi State.
The draft also reflects the diverse geographic roots of these talents, with many hailing from baseball‑rich states such as California, Florida and Texas, underscoring the national scope of the talent pool.
Key Prospects to Watch
As the draft draws near, the decisions of these players will shape not only LSU’s future roster but also the broader dynamics of college baseball versus professional entry pathways. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which prospects choose to sign and how their selections influence the next generation of the sport.