LSU’s Kade Anderson is poised for a significant moment in his baseball career, likely making one final appearance with the Tigers before being drafted early in the 2025 MLB Draft. As a standout left-handed pitcher, Anderson has made an impressive mark this season, notably boosting his draft stock. As he heads into the College World Series finals against Coastal Carolina, Anderson boasts an 11-1 record and a 3.44 ERA, having pitched 110 innings and leading the nation with 170 strikeouts.
His performance places him among the top college pitchers for the upcoming draft, especially significant given that he is a draft-eligible sophomore. This combination of skill and youth makes him an enticing prospect for teams looking to build their future with strong arms.
Recent MLB draft projections suggest that Anderson could go in the top five of the 2025 draft, with some experts even speculating he has the potential to be the number one overall pick. According to Gabe Lacques from USA TODAY Sports Network, the St. Louis Cardinals might select him at number five. However, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel indicates that Anderson is currently a favorite to be the first pick, contingent on the outcomes of other key players in the draft.
The competition for the number one slot remains high, with Kiley noting, “The conversation around who will go No. 1 continues to be wide open and will be until draft day.” Expert Jim Callis from MLB Pipeline highlights that teams like the Angels are likely prioritizing college pitchers and may find themselves deliberating between Anderson and Tennessee’s Liam Doyle.
As Anderson prepares for what many believe could be his final game with LSU, his journey showcases not only his capabilities on the mound but also his potential to shape the future for whichever MLB franchise selects him.
Overall, the anticipation surrounding Anderson and the upcoming draft paints a hopeful picture for his future in baseball, marking him as a player to watch not just in the NCAA but also in the professional leagues to come.