Jay Johnson compares Kade Anderson to college version of Max Fried

If you ask LSU head coach Jay Johnson, pitcher Kade Anderson should be selected with the No. 1 overall pick. The Washington Nationals hold the top spot in the 2025 MLB Draft, having an opportunity to add another star to the organization. Johnson believes Anderson is the guy for them, especially after his College World Series performances.

To prove just how highly Johnson thinks of him, he worked out a comparison for Anderson. He decided to go with Max Fried, currently of the New York Yankees. Fried previously played for the Atlanta Braves and is one of the American League’s most dominant pitchers. Johnson says there are similarities between him and what Anderson can eventually become.

“I think, just from a pitching comp, that is very much who I would compare him to,” Johnson said via MLB Central on MLB Network. “I saw Max when he was a young pitcher on the recruiting circuit. Kade is just so complete. His four pitches for strikes, his competitiveness, it’s the level head. He did a great job with his body in the offseason, he’s a winner. I almost have to arm wrestle him for the ball when I take him out of the game.

“He’s got the pitch ability, he’s got the head, he’s got the strikes. He’s everything you would ever want. I said my plug during the postgame the other day — the Nationals don’t need to overthink this one. That’s your guy and he’s closer to the Big Leagues than any amateur player in the country right now.”

Results are now showing right now but Washington has one of the best young cores in baseball. Another LSU guy, Dylan Crews, is right in the middle of it all after going second in the 2023 MLB Draft — something he accomplished after helping the Tigers win a national championship.

However, pitching has been a problem for them. And according to Johnson, there might not be anybody more Major League-ready out there right now than Anderson. Even so, directly sending Anderson to the Big League team is unlikely. Teams are not afraid to speed run prospects through the Minors if numbers are showing positive signs, though.

Making the comparison to Fried does possibly raise the expectations a little. Going No. 1 overall means a potential franchise cornerstone is on the way. And with what Johnson is currently saying about his star pitcher, Washington may be getting one.