The string of good news has officially continued for coach Jay Johnson and the LSU baseball program as we look ahead to the 2025 college baseball season. After landing five transfer portal commitments over the last week, the Tigers most recently received news that impressive outfielder Derek Curiel out of the class of 2024 has withdrawn his name from the 2024 MLB Draft.
LSU baseball outfielder commitment Derek Curiel announces decision to withdraw his name from the 2024 MLB Draft
As tempting as it might be to go straight into the MLB draft out of high school, sometimes the best decision is to take your time and attend college for a few years before eventually making the jump. Possibly the best example of this was former Tiger outfielder Dylan Crews, who made the decision to attend LSU for three seasons before leaving for the next level. As it would turn out, this happened to be an incredible decision.
After being drafted No. 2 overall in the 2023 draft, he most recently got the call up to the AAA affiliate for the Washington Nationals earlier today, meaning he has just one step remaining until he finally makes it to the big leagues.
While class of 2024 commitment Derek Curiel has plenty of work to do if he ever wants to achieve a similar trajectory, he’s at least giving himself a chance after making the announcement that he’s withdrawing his name from the 2024 MLB Draft and will instead make his way to Baton Rouge, LA, for the 2025 college baseball season.
Rated as the No. 10 player in the class of 2024, according to Perfect Game, Curiel was previously looked at as a longshot to ever set foot on a college campus due in large part to him being listed as the No. 117 prospect in the MLB.com pre-draft player rankings.
However, with him instead making the decision to follow through with his commitment to LSU, Curiel will now enroll early and make his way to Louisiana this summer, as he outlined in an announcement, saying, “After talks with my family, advisors, and loved ones I have formally withdrawn my name from the 2024 MLB Draft. I will be enrolling early this summer at LSU. Can’t wait to get to work. See you soon Baton Rouge!!! Geaux Tigers!”
For coach Jay Johnson and his 2025 roster, this has the potential to be some of the most important news he receives all offseason. Not only is this at least a two-year commitment for his program, but Curiel has the potential to start right away for the purple and gold.
Possessing a smooth and efficient swing within the batter’s box to go along with some elite speed and glove work on defense, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound outfielder is as close to the total package as you’ll find. The biggest downside for the time being is an overall lack of power on offense, but with him being on the lighter side ahead of the college ranks, he has plenty of room to add strength before his time in Baton Rouge comes to a close.
Expect the West Covina, CA, product to compete for a starting outfielder position fairly early on, as rising sophomore Jake Brown could potentially make the move to an infielder position for the 2025 season.
With Curiel officially on board, attention now shifts to some of the other top class of 2024 commitments such as outfielder Konnor Griffin, left-handed pitcher Cam Caminiti, right-handed pitcher William Schmidt and catcher Cade Arrambide, among others, who are all viewed as top prospects heading into the upcoming draft.
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