LSU baseball officially secured a top-notch pitching prospect on Saturday evening. Left-hander Logan Schmidt took to social media and announced his plans to attend LSU. Schmidt was drafted the Cleveland Guardians in the second round of the MLB Draft but could not reach a deal. That made college an option for the elite lefty.
After Schmidt didn't sign, there was some talk of Schmidt attending JUCO, which would allow him to be eligible for the 2027 draft. LSU made a compelling enough case to get Schmidt to campus, where he'll have to remain for at least three seasons. Schmidt won't be eligible for the MLB Draft until 2029 now.
It's rare for a prospect of Schmidt's caliber to play college ball. MLB.com ranked Schmidt as the No. 45 overall prospect in
the draft.
"Schmidt has shown an ability to repeat his delivery well and fill up the strike zone with all three of his offerings, providing a very nice left-handed starting pitching kit," the MLB.com scouting report says.
Let’s Geaux pic.twitter.com/iSg9Lr6oEG
— Logan Schmidt (@Loganschmidt27) August 1, 2026
Schmidt reclassified a year to graduate high school in 2026, which makes him one year younger than a typical freshman. Schmidt is talented, but considering his youth, it's unclear what his role at LSU will be in 2027. He's joining a veteran pitching staff that returns all three weekend starters. LSU coach Jay Johnson likely sold Schmidt on a long-term plan and LSU's development track record when it comes to pitching.
Still, Schmidt is a massive get for LSU. LSU missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011 last season and Johnson responded by loading the roster with talent. Schmidt is the final piece.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU baseball lands elite left-handed pitcher
