Cooper Sides, a right‑handed pitcher from Orange, California, has turned down the opportunity to begin his professional career after being projected as a top‑90 selection in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Sides explained that he felt a strong connection to LSU’s coaching environment, believing the staff could refine his repertoire and position him as the nation’s No. 1 overall pick.
A strategic win for the Tigers
His decision marks a significant victory for LSU, which has managed to retain several high‑school standouts despite aggressive overtures from MLB franchises.
The signing class also includes Malachi Washington, Coleton Brady, Lucas Nawrocki, Nathaneal Davis and Braxton Beaty, each of whom opted for the collegiate route over potential draft contracts.
Coach Jay Johnson, who leads the program’s baseball operations, emphasized that the team’s development pathway and academic resources were decisive in Sides’ choice.
The move underscores a broader trend of elite prospects electing to stay within the collegiate system to leverage LSU’s infrastructure and national exposure.