Which LSU Tigers Baseball Stars Have the Best Chance of Being Selected in the 2025 MLB Draft This Summer?

The LSU Tigers have long been a powerhouse in college baseball, producing elite talent year after year. With a rich tradition that includes multiple national championships and a pipeline of players headed to the professional ranks, the 2025 MLB Draft will once again shine a bright spotlight on Baton Rouge. The Tigers are loaded with high-upside prospects, and several players have put themselves in position to hear their names called by Major League clubs this summer.

One of the most talked-about names entering the 2025 draft cycle is LSU’s ace pitcher, Thatcher Hurd. The right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance since arriving at LSU from UCLA, including dominant outings in high-pressure SEC matchups and postseason play. Scouts are enamored with his pitch mix — a mid-90s fastball that touches 97 mph, a wipeout slider, and a deceptive changeup. While inconsistency has been an issue at times, Hurd’s size, velocity, and competitive demeanor make him a top-three-round talent, with the possibility of sneaking into the back end of the first round if he finishes the season strong.

Alongside Hurd, left-handed pitcher Gage Jump is another highly touted draft prospect. After recovering from Tommy John surgery early in his college career, Jump has returned to form in 2025 and proven he can be a weekend starter in the SEC. Scouts love his command, and while his velocity sits in the low-90s, his ability to change speeds and locate with precision has drawn comparisons to crafty lefties in the majors. With his pedigree and performance, Jump is viewed as a solid second- or third-round pick, especially for teams looking for a quick-moving college arm.

On the offensive side, Tommy White, affectionately known as “Tommy Tanks,” is once again drawing attention for his elite power and run-producing ability. The third baseman has continued to mash SEC pitching and remains one of the most dangerous hitters in college baseball. His bat speed, raw power, and competitive approach make him one of the safest bets to be taken in the first round. Though there are questions about his long-term defensive home — some scouts believe he may eventually move to first base or DH at the next level — his offensive ceiling makes those concerns secondary. White is widely projected as a top-15 pick in the 2025 draft.

Joining White in the middle of LSU’s potent lineup is slugging outfielder Paxton Kling. A true five-tool player, Kling has elevated his game significantly in 2025, showcasing increased plate discipline and more consistent contact to go with his elite athleticism. With above-average speed, a strong arm, and the ability to play center field, Kling’s defensive versatility boosts his draft stock considerably. His combination of tools and performance this spring have some scouts projecting him as a potential late first-rounder or early second-round pick. If he continues to perform down the stretch and into the postseason, his stock could climb even further.

Jared Jones, LSU’s powerful first baseman, is another name generating buzz. Built like a prototypical slugger, Jones has light-tower power from the right side and has put up gaudy home run totals during his time in Baton Rouge. While he doesn’t bring much positional versatility — he’s likely limited to first base at the professional level — teams in need of right-handed power won’t hesitate to consider him in the top five rounds. His strikeout rate is a concern, and he’ll need to prove he can make consistent contact against pro-level pitching, but the power tool alone makes him draftable, and his intangibles as a clubhouse leader may also appeal to organizations.

Another player to keep an eye on is shortstop Michael Braswell, who transferred to LSU after beginning his career at South Carolina. Braswell has quietly put together a strong season in 2025, showing off improved defense, better plate discipline, and an ability to deliver in clutch moments. His value lies in his well-rounded game rather than one standout tool, but that consistency and maturity could make him a useful utility infielder at the next level. He may not hear his name until the middle rounds, but a strong showing in the SEC Tournament or College World Series could elevate his draft profile.

Outfielder Josh Pearson has also done his part to earn draft consideration. Known for his tough at-bats and sneaky power, Pearson has found success against some of the best arms in the country and is admired for his gritty, competitive style of play. While he doesn’t possess the elite speed or arm strength of other outfield prospects, his strong baseball IQ and productive bat make him a candidate to be taken in the later rounds by a team valuing polished college bats.

Catcher Brady Neal is another intriguing name to monitor. Neal has the tools to be a professional backstop — solid receiving skills, a quick release, and an accurate arm. Offensively, he’s a contact-first hitter with emerging pop, and scouts appreciate his leadership behind the plate. Given the premium on catching depth in professional baseball, Neal’s blend of defense and offensive upside could land him in the top 10 rounds, particularly for a team looking to develop a college catcher with everyday potential.

Then there’s Luke Holman, a right-handed pitcher who transferred from Alabama and has found new life at LSU. Holman’s command and mound presence have impressed, and while his velocity isn’t overpowering, he consistently throws strikes and mixes pitches effectively. He fits the mold of a durable college starter who could move quickly through a minor league system. Teams seeking reliable arms in the later rounds could find real value in Holman.

One wild card in this draft class could be freshman sensation Jake Brown, though he’s not draft-eligible until 2026. However, his emergence as a standout in his first collegiate season is worth noting, and scouts are already tracking his development closely. While Brown won’t be drafted this year, his presence adds to the overall depth and future excitement surrounding LSU’s talent-rich roster.

In total, LSU could realistically see seven to ten players selected in the 2025 MLB Draft, a testament to the program’s continued dominance in recruiting and player development. With a blend of high-ceiling stars like Tommy White and Paxton Kling, steady veterans like Jared Jones and Brady Neal, and rising arms like Gage Jump and Thatcher Hurd, the Tigers boast one of the most well-rounded draft classes in college baseball this year.

It’s not just about numbers — it’s about impact. These players have been instrumental in keeping LSU competitive in the brutal SEC and on the national stage. Their draft statuses are not just a reflection of individual talent, but also of the high standards and professional atmosphere that LSU coach Jay Johnson and his staff have cultivated. The Tigers’ ability to consistently churn out MLB-ready prospects is why Baton Rouge remains a magnet for elite high school talent year after year.

As the 2025 college baseball season winds down and the MLB Draft approaches, LSU players will have ample opportunities to improve their stock. Postseason play, including the SEC Tournament and potentially another trip to Omaha, will offer a final showcase for these prospects to impress scouts and front office decision-makers. For many of them, it will be the culmination of years of hard work and development — and the beginning of a new chapter in professional baseball.

With draft day looming, the buzz around LSU’s top prospects is only intensifying. MLB organizations understand the value of experience against elite competition, and there may be no better proving ground than the SEC. If history is any guide, the 2025 MLB Draft will feature a strong purple and gold presence — yet another reminder that LSU is one of the sport’s greatest talent factories.