LSU Baseball Star Ethan Frey Likely to Leave Tigers After Being Selected in Third Round of 2025 MLB Draft by Brewers

LSU catcher and designated hitter Ethan Frey is poised to embark on a professional baseball career after being selected in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. The junior slugger, a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offense and clubhouse leadership, appears ready to move on from Baton Rouge following a breakout campaign that elevated his draft stock and captured national attention.

Frey’s name being called on Day 2 of the draft didn’t come as a surprise to those around LSU’s program. His combination of raw power, plate discipline, and positional versatility made him a coveted asset on MLB draft boards. But his decision to likely forego his final year of college eligibility still strikes an emotional chord for a fan base that watched him grow from an intriguing in-state recruit to one of the team’s most impactful players.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Frey hails from Rosepine, Louisiana, and committed to LSU with big expectations. After a developmental freshman season in 2023, he broke out as a sophomore and solidified his place in the Tigers’ everyday lineup. In 2024, he took yet another step forward, slashing .308/.426/.622 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs, showing an improved approach at the plate and an ability to come through in high-leverage moments.

LSU head coach Jay Johnson often referred to Frey as “a rock in the middle of our lineup,” and credited his work ethic and leadership for helping a young roster navigate the challenges of the SEC gauntlet. Whether catching, serving as the DH, or stepping in at first base, Frey’s reliability gave LSU a competitive edge. That consistency did not go unnoticed by scouts, who now view him as one of the top offensive-minded catchers in this year’s class.

The Brewers, who held the 91st overall pick in the third round, are known for targeting players with strong offensive ceilings and solid baseball instincts. Frey fits that mold. Though there are questions about his long-term viability behind the plate, his bat gives him a strong chance to progress through the minor leagues quickly, potentially switching to first base or corner outfield depending on organizational needs. His arm strength and baseball IQ also offer hope that he can develop into a serviceable catcher with time and professional coaching.

Sources close to Frey’s camp suggest he is leaning toward signing with Milwaukee and beginning his pro journey later this summer. While the signing bonus for a third-round pick doesn’t always make the decision automatic, Frey’s age, development, and draft position suggest he’ll take the next step. If he signs, he’ll report to one of the Brewers’ minor league affiliates by late July or early August.

For LSU, his departure is bittersweet. The Tigers will lose one of their most dependable sluggers, someone who delivered clutch hits, handled pitchers with poise, and carried himself with maturity well beyond his years. Frey was also a stabilizing presence during a turbulent stretch of the 2024 season, when injuries and underperformance threatened to derail LSU’s postseason aspirations. His leadership played a key role in keeping the clubhouse unified and focused.

Jay Johnson acknowledged the possibility of Frey’s departure shortly after the draft. “We are so proud of Ethan,” Johnson said in a statement. “He’s been the heart of our team and has worked tirelessly to become the player he is. If this is the next step for him, we will fully support him and be cheering for him every step of the way.”

While Frey has yet to officially announce his decision, all signs point to him turning pro. His selection inside the top 100 picks places him in line for a projected signing bonus north of $800,000, and with little left to prove at the collegiate level, many see this as the logical progression of his career. He also helped his cause by putting together a strong performance at the SEC Tournament and carrying that momentum into regional play, further reinforcing his stock among MLB front offices.

LSU fans will fondly remember his towering home runs, clutch extra-base hits, and ability to manage pitching staffs with calm efficiency. His story—from small-town Louisiana standout to SEC star and now a top-100 MLB Draft pick—embodies the spirit of LSU baseball and the program’s ability to develop elite talent.

In the event Frey does sign with the Brewers, the Tigers will face a critical offseason task of replacing both his production and leadership. LSU’s coaching staff has already been aggressive in the transfer portal, targeting experienced catchers and power bats to soften the blow of potential departures like Frey’s. The Tigers’ 2025 roster will likely feature a mix of returning veterans and incoming transfers, but filling Frey’s shoes will be no easy task.

There is a sliver of a chance that Frey could return to school if negotiations with Milwaukee were to stall. However, with the Brewers investing a third-round pick in him and Frey being represented by a seasoned advisor group, such an outcome is seen as unlikely.

For now, the LSU community celebrates Frey’s accomplishments while preparing for life after his departure. His path mirrors that of many Tigers before him who have gone on to successful professional careers—proof once again of LSU’s stature as one of college baseball’s premier launching pads.

The Brewers, for their part, add a high-upside bat to their system at a position that has grown increasingly difficult to fill with impact players. Should Frey sign and develop as projected, he could move quickly through the minors and potentially challenge for a big-league role within the next two to three years. His blend of offensive production and positional flexibility gives the Brewers intriguing options, and his mental makeup suggests he’s ready for the grind of pro ball.

In the meantime, Frey’s name will be etched alongside LSU greats who answered the call to the next level. Though the Tigers would surely welcome him back with open arms, fans will now shift their attention to watching his rise through the professional ranks. Baton Rouge may be losing one of its brightest stars, but the journey for Ethan Frey is just beginning.

With this likely transition, LSU baseball once again affirms its legacy as a talent pipeline to the pros. And for Ethan Frey, the dream that began in Rosepine continues on a new stage—one with brighter lights, greater challenges, and the potential for lasting success.