Baton Rouge, LA – LSU’s 2024 recruiting coup continues to captivate, as right-hander William Schmidt—the nation’s top high school pitcher—has officially withdrawn from the MLB Draft to honor his commitment to play for the LSU Tigers, sources confirm .
Schmidt, a 6-foot-4 Baton Rouge native from Catholic High School, was widely projected as a first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. MLB.com ranked him the No. 16 overall high school prospect nationwide, with mid-90s fastball velocity touching 98–99 mph, a devastating 3,000-rpm curveball, and a low-80s changeup. His pitchability and command have drawn early-career comparisons to Adam Wainwright .
Yet in a move rare for high-profile arms, Schmidt backed away from the draft. He made the announcement in mid-July, phoning LSU coach Jay Johnson mere hours before the draft began to say, “my heart has always been with LSU.” He cited the program’s elite coaching, its capacity to mold him into a complete pitcher over the next three years, and, above all, his dream of playing for his hometown Tigers .
Why This Move Matters
LSU now lands its most highly ranked signing in program history. A state champion with Catholic High, Schmidt’s dominance—boasting a 0.44 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 63⅔ innings—drove his decision to stay local and chase a national title before pondering pro ball .
From LSU’s standpoint, Schmidt’s arrival is transformative. Coach Jay Johnson has aggressively rebuilt the Tigers’ pitching staff via transfer portal and recruits. Schmidt adds elite depth, featuring alongside other top recruits like Cooper Williams (LHP) and seasoned transfers .
Schmidt’s Perspective
In interviews, Schmidt was candid: this was the toughest decision of his life, torn between an immediate multi-million dollar offer and the pull of LSU pride. Growing up in Baton Rouge, he’d always imagined suiting up at Alex Box Stadium . Reflecting on his pick, he said LSU’s coaching staff “ran into the right ones at the right time,” promising to “put me in the best position” to reach the majors in three years .
His fans—online and in Baton Rouge—were ecstatic. On Reddit, one LSU baseball follower said Schmidt “is a great guy… came to LSU because LSU is all he knows and loves,” and praised his decision amid skyrocketing NIL trends .
Impact on LSU’s Roster and Aspirations
The Tigers, defending College World Series champions, already have momentum. But Schmidt adds a blue-chip arm capable of starting from day one. He’ll likely be part of an elite weekend rotation competing for national prominence .
Moreover, Schmidt’s local hero narrative energizes LSU’s recruiting aura. Securing the nation’s top right-hander from within its backyard reaffirms the program’s stature among elite talent pipelines .
Looking Ahead
Schmidt plans to enroll early, join summer workouts, and develop under Johnson’s tutelage. With three years of college ball ahead—barring injury—it’s likely he’ll build momentum and re-enter the draft as a top prospect, armed with college success and maturity .
The broader takeaway: LSU’s strategy shines. They not only assemble talent but also win hearts at home. Schmidt’s commitment elevates both talent and team identity, bolstering LSU’s 2025 outlook and enhancing their national ambitions.
In short: William Schmidt’s choice—putting LSU ahead of a pro payday—is a triumph for Tigers baseball. It’s a signal: Baton Rouge isn’t just a recruiting stop—it’s where dreams begin.