A top LSU baseball commit remains unsigned the deadline approaching for MLB draftees. The Cleveland Guardians selected pitcher Logan Schmidt in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft, but Schmidt and Cleveland have yet to agree to terms.
When a high school player is selected in the second round, the expectation is that a professional deal will be signed. MLB organizations don't want to waste premium picks. But with the deadline on Monday, there are serious questions about Cleveland's ability to sign Schmidt.
Schmidt was selected No. 59 overall. The slot value for that pick is around $1.5 million. Per LouisianaSports's Hunt Palmer, the most Cleveland could pay Schmidt is $1.7 million, and Palmer reports that may not be enough to ink the deal.
If
Schmidt does make it to LSU, it would be massive for the Tigers. Schmidt was ranked as the No. 45 overall prospect in the draft, per MLB.com. Here's an excerpt from MLB.com's scouting report of the left-handed pitcher.
An uptick in velocity this summer, particularly at the Area Code Games, certainly helped Schmidt’s stock rise. He was typically pitching at 93-94 mph with his fastball, but he was in the 94-97 mph range, and more of that consistently would certainly help him on Draft boards. There isn’t a ton of deception with the pitch right now, so it can get hit at times. He backs up the heater with a 78-81 mph slider that features three-quarters shape to it, a breaker that can disappear, miss a lot of bats and flashes plus. There’s feel for a changeup, too, which he sells well with arm speed out front.
Schmidt reclassified to graduate high school a year early, which means he wouldn't be draft-eligible for three years. That would be a long commitment for a top-50 caliber prospect. If Schmidt doesn't want to be locked in for three years of college ball, he could take the JUCO route and be eligible for the MLB Draft again next Summer.
In the scenario where Schmidt makes it to Baton Rouge, he is talented enough to compete for playing time right away, despite his young age. Schmidt wouldn't be fighting for a spot in the starting rotation, but LSU needs talented arms in the bullpen.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Elite LSU baseball signee remains unsigned, could make it to Baton Rouge
