Jay Johnson believes LSU made College World Series thanks to roster of 'future Major League players'

Two out of the last three national championships call Baton Rouge home. LSU once again reached college baseball’s mountaintop on Sunday, taking down Coastal Carolina in two games. Jay Johnson is building something special at LSU, potentially being on the cusp of a dynasty.

LSU has put together special rosters in Johnson’s tenure, even in years where expectations fell short. He believes one aspect of team building trumps all — making sure future Major League talent is present.

“I don’t think you can get to Omaha anymore, even, unless you have future Major League players on your roster,” Johnson said Monday on The Paul Finebaum Show. “And our team certainly does. Had the No. 1 overall pick in Paul Skenes and very well may have the No. 1 pick again this year with Kade Anderson.”

Going back to the 2023 team, where Johnson mentioned Skenes as the No. 1 overall pick. Outfielder Dylan Crews heard his name called one pick later by the Washington Nationals. Pitcher Ty Floyd was a first-round Competitive Balance Round A selection as well of the Cincinnati Reds. In total, 13 Tigers were taken in the 2023 MLB Draft after winning the national championship.

As for how many LSU players will hear their name in the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft is yet to be seen. Anderson does have a fantastic chance of being the top pick, once again with the Nationals. His Game 1 performance against Coastal Carolina only strengthens the cause thanks to a 130-pitch complete game shutout.

In the latest MLB Mock Draft from ESPN, only right-handed pitcher Anthony Eyanson features inside the top 40 besides Anderson. This year’s LSU bunch might have some catching up to do if there is going to be any kind of competition with the 2023 squad.

But Johnson’s overall point remains true. LSU made runs to Omaha due to the talent on their roster. And then, once at the College World Series, those players performed at the highest level and helped the program win a national championship.

Now, the goal to replace said talent will be the challenge for Johnson. Not many programs recruit at as high a level, both in the high school ranks and out of the NCAA transfer portal, as LSU. A place where the goal every single season is to make the CWS, Johnson has a good bit of Major League talent to find ahead of the 2026 season.