Kade Anderson, LSU’s sterling southpaw, is nearing the close of his collegiate baseball career, likely just one game away from initiating his professional journey by making waves in the 2025 MLB Draft. Through the entirety of this LSU Tigers’ season, Anderson has been nothing short of spectacular, significantly raising his draft prospects in the process. As the College World Series championship against Coastal Carolina looms, Anderson boasts a commendable record of 11 wins and a single loss, an ERA of 3.44 over the course of 110 innings, and a striking tally of 170 strikeouts to lead the nation. Furthermore, his 110 innings pitched this season is also a nation-wide accomplishment.
In the 2025 MLB Draft, overflowing with top-tier pitching talent, Anderson is anticipated to be either the top or one of the top selected college pitchers. Add to that his youthful edge: he’s an eligible sophomore up for drafting, making him one of the youngest college pitchers available.
Let’s pivot to an inspection of updated MLB draft prognostications with a focus on Anderson, who’s set for his first appearance of the national championship with Coastal Carolina:
A peek at drafts predictions for Anderson, in the context of the MLB:
MLB.com places him as going in the first round, second overall to the Los Angeles Angels. The Athletic and CBS Sports agree he’ll be snapped up in the first round, but think he’ll be third overall and headed to the Seattle Mariners.
There is consensus in the baseball world that Anderson’s draft projection is well within the top five of the 2025 MLB Draft, and there’s speculation that he could indeed be the first choice.
Uncertainty continues to shroud the identity of the number one pick – a suspense-filled question that will only be resolved on draft day. However, the powerful end to Anderson’s season puts him on a potential pedestal, inching ahead of Ethan Holliday as a prospective top pick.
At present, Anderson appears to have been cemented as the most valuable college pitching option. The allure of his talent seems aligned with what teams are scouting for. Should a team secure Anderson, it may necessitate an alternate plan by considering another player who managed to outperform him in the closing stages.
To appreciate Anderson’s impressive arc, let’s delve into his college statistics over the span of his first two seasons with the LSU Tigers:
A brief overview of Anderson’s collegiate achievements during his tenure with the Tigers is as follows:
In his debut season, in 2024, Anderson displayed early potential with a 4-2 record secured along with a 3.99 ERA and a haul of 59 strikeouts, all in 38 1/3 innings. The following year marked a significant leap. The 2025 season saw Anderson amass an 11-1 record, a 3.44 ERA, and a notable 170 strikeouts, over a significantly greater 110 innings.