LSU Has Three Pitchers In Top 50 Draft Prospects

A summer ago, Louisiana State lost Paul Skenes and Ty Floyd to the Major League Draft. Despite losing two of the best arms in the country, the Tigers are returning Thatcher Hurd, as well as picking up two solid arms in the transfer portal.

Three Tigers pitchers were named top 50 prospects, according to MLB Pipelines Top 100 Draft Prospects. Two of these three pitchers were picked up through the transfer portal. These pitchers are Luke Holman and Gage Jump. Let's examine how dominate the LSU starting rotation will be.

Thatcher Hurd: Right Handed Pitcher

Thatcher Hurd is the only returning pitcher in the Tigers rotation. Hurd is entering his junior season as the 18th best prospect in the upcoming Major League Draft.

Hurd spent his freshman season at UCLA, where he posted an earned run average of 1.06 in 34 innings with 48 strikeouts. In his sophomore season with LSU, Hurd had a 5.68 earned run average in 63.1 innings with 84 strikeouts. Control was an issue for him last season, but he has a ton of potential.

Hurd's scouting grades are; Fastball: 60, Curveball: 50, Slider: 60, Changeup: 40, Control: 45, Overall: 55.

Luke Holman: Right Handed Pitcher

Luke Holman is junior pitcher who transferred from the University of Alabama. Holman is currently ranked as the 35th best prospect in the upcoming Major League Draft.

Holman did not play much his freshman year, but was a very significant pitcher for the Crimson Tide in his sophomore season. Last year, Holman had an earned run average of 3.67 in 81 innings with 87 strikeouts. Holman was the best pitcher for the Tide a season ago and is a great addition to this Tigers rotation.

Holman's scouting grades are; Fastball: 55, Curveball: 55, Slider: 60, Changeup: 45, Control: 55, Overall: 50.

Gage Jump: Left Handed Pitcher

Gage Jump is a junior pitcher who transferred from UCLA. Jump missed all of the 2023 season due to an injury and has only appeared in seven games in his collegiate career. Despite his lack of playing time, Jump is ranked as the 46th best prospect in the upcoming Major League Draft.

In his seven games as a freshman, Jump has an earned run average of 3.86 in 16.1 innings with 22 strikeouts. He also had an opponent batting average of .176. When healthy, Jump is a dominate pitcher and that is what LSU needs this season.

Jump's scouting grades are; Fastball: 55, Curveball: 60, Slider: 55, Changeup: 50, Control: 50, Overall: 50.

Overall, this Tigers rotation looks solid. Thatcher Hurd is experienced with the Tigers, but will need to step up. Luke Holman and Gage Jump are both solid transfers looking to take LSU back to the College World Series.