LSU draft recap: picks, transfers and next steps
LSU draft night delivered a mixed bag of pro selections and portal movement that should accelerate roster decisions for the 2026 Tigers. The LSU draft saw Dylan Blomker (RHP) taken in the fifth round by the Chicago Cubs and Will Adams selected in the 11th round by Detroit. Those pro outcomes, combined with several portal commitments, reshape the depth chart and create new competition across the roster.
Below is a concise recap of the top draft names, the portal additions that announced plans to join LSU, a round-by-round breakdown of LSU-linked draft picks, prospects to follow in the MLB Futures Game, three quick takes and what it all means for LSU’s 2026 roster heading into the 100-day countdown.
LSU draft: quick recap and top names
The headline names from the LSU draft included Dylan Blomker — taken No. 159 overall in the fifth round by the Chicago Cubs — and Will Adams, who went in the 11th round to Detroit. Both selections are notable because they came at points where LSU could have expected to lose contributors to the pro ranks; their departures will factor into position battles this offseason.
- Dylan Blomker — 5th round, No. 159 overall (Chicago Cubs).
- Will Adams — 11th round (Detroit).
- Anthony Murphy — 16th round (Nationals).
- Grant Fontenot — 10th round, 299th pick (Royals).
- Santiago Garcia — 12th round, 372nd pick (Blue Jays).
- Gavin Guidry — 16th round, 480th pick (Mets).
- Zac Cowan — 19th round, 573rd pick (Guardians).
- Earlier Saturday picks included Derek Curiel (No. 5), Jake Brown (No. 65) and Deven Sheerin (No. 128).
Portal additions: who announced plans to join LSU
LSU’s staff announced several portal commitments that address immediate needs in the lineup and on the mound. These were reported as intentions or commitments and will factor into spring competition.
- Dominic Santarelli — a 6-2, 230-pound bat out of Wisconsin who projects as a power presence in the middle of the lineup.
- Cooper Sides — a prep-caliber arm from California expected to compete for rotation or high-leverage bullpen innings.
- Malachi Washington — an outfield option whose addition increases depth and defensive versatility in the outfield group.
Those portal additions, paired with incoming freshmen and signees, create immediate competition for playing time and reduce the strain created by draft departures.
Draft details: rounds, teams and quick notes
Below are the LSU-linked draft outcomes and brief context on each pick. The list includes both current players and recent affiliates drafted over the weekend.
- Derek Curiel — drafted Saturday (No. 5).
- Jake Brown — 65th pick (Saturday first-four-round stretch).
- Deven Sheerin — 128th pick (Saturday).
- Dylan Blomker — 5th round, No. 159 (Chicago Cubs).
- Grant Fontenot — 10th round, 299th pick (Royals).
- Santiago Garcia — 12th round, 372nd pick (Blue Jays).
- Gavin Guidry — 16th round, 480th pick (Mets).
- Zac Cowan — 19th round, 573rd pick (Guardians).
- Will Adams — 11th round (Detroit).
- Anthony Murphy — 16th round (Nationals).
Late-round selections like Fontenot, Garcia and Guidry reflect pro clubs taking notice of LSU’s depth of talent. Some picks will finish college seasons or sign pro deals; roster decisions over the next weeks will clarify who returns to Baton Rouge and who heads to the minors.
Futures Game and prospects to watch
LSU-linked prospects also made appearances in the MLB Futures Game, which serves as a showcase for players on the cusp of pro impact. Kade Anderson turned in a scoreless outing, allowing one hit with no walks, while Anthony Eyanson recorded a winning outing for the AL after a short but effective appearance. Performances like these reinforce LSU’s reputation for producing professional arms.
Keep an eye on Kade Anderson and other rising pitchers as benchmarks for the program’s development pipeline. Strong showings in summer events often accelerate pro interest and serve as recruiting and development proof points for Jay Johnson’s staff.
Three quick takes
- Portal hits matter: Santarelli, Sides and Washington address immediate lineup and pitching needs and will likely be in the mix for starting jobs or high-leverage roles early in camp.
- Draft value while preserving depth: Blomker’s selection and several later-round picks are solid pro outcomes, yet many contributors slipped into later rounds — creating a chance for LSU to retain contributors who don’t sign.
- Depth and health focus: Gabe Reliford’s injury continues to be a storyline; his absence amplifies the importance of incoming transfers and internal options to pick up innings and plate appearances.
What this means for LSU’s 2026 roster
The combination of departures to professional baseball and incoming portal additions leaves LSU with more competition and roster flexibility heading into 2026. The staff’s ability to integrate transfers quickly will determine how seamless the transition is from spring to fall practice.
With the 100-day countdown underway, the focus shifts to settling roles in the rotation, determining primary lineup combinations and ramping younger pitchers for workload. The visibility of Tigers in summer showcases and the Futures Game helps recruiting and affirms the program’s developmental track record.
Expect Jay Johnson to emphasize depth-building in early fall workouts: more arms will be tried in multiple roles, corner infield and outfield reps will be distributed, and competition at catcher and middle infield will get sharper as the season approaches.
FAQ
Who from LSU was drafted and in which rounds?
Notable LSU picks across the weekend include Derek Curiel (No. 5), Jake Brown (No. 65), Deven Sheerin (No. 128), Dylan Blomker (5th round, No. 159, Cubs), Grant Fontenot (10th round, 299th, Royals), Santiago Garcia (12th round, 372nd, Blue Jays), Gavin Guidry (16th round, 480th, Mets), Zac Cowan (19th round, 573rd, Guardians), Will Adams (11th round, Detroit) and Anthony Murphy (16th round, Nationals).
Which transfers have announced intentions to join LSU?
Dominic Santarelli, Cooper Sides and Malachi Washington have announced plans to join LSU. Those announcements were reported as intentions or commitments and will factor into offseason competition and roster planning.
How do these moves affect LSU’s depth and 2026 outlook?
The portal additions strengthen immediate lineup and pitching depth while draft departures open opportunities for younger players. The Reliford injury increases the value of new additions and gives underclassmen clearer paths to playing time. Overall, the mix paints a deeper, more competitive picture for 2026.
