William Schmidt explains his mindset ahead of MLB Draft, LSU decision

LSU pitching commit William Schmidt debated the college or MLB decision for quite a bit, but knew where his heart was set, even before the 2024 MLB Draft.

Schmidt has tantalizing talent and would’ve been a nice prospect for a professional organization. However, he decided to forgo the draft and committed to LSU.

The decision seemingly came down to the wire too, as Schmidt just wanted some last minute confirmation.

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“I met with my parents in the living room for just one last talk, like deciding what we’re gonna do,” Schmidt said on the Mik’d Up podcast. “I kind of had my mind made up for a little bit but like I was still keeping my options open. Like you never know.”

William Schmidt was born to go to LSU

But going to LSU was destiny it seemed. The MLB Draft is on hold, for now, for Schmidt.

“I was born in LSU clothing. like my baby pictures are all LSU baby pictures,” Schmidt said. “But really within the last week, because like I wouldn’t say I was procrastinating my decision but like I was just keeping my options open. I was getting insight on really everything and they were just making the decision tougher and tougher for me. 

“So I wouldn’t say like till the last week where I really put a lot of thought into it and didn’t get much sleep. Because I mean it was the hardest decision I’ve ever made as an 18 year old.”

For LSU, Schmidt is a touted addition. MaxPreps named the incoming rookie a first-team All-American and the Louisiana Player of the Year for his senior season performances. In 63.2 innings pitched across the year, the right-handed pitcher recorded a 0.44 ERA and struck out more than 100 batters. Those are incredible numbers throughout a season, and would be even for a first-round pick.

Now, Schmidt’s decision has been made. LSU could very well be bringing in one of the best arms in the country for the next few seasons, if he pans out to projection, which only adds to an already-loaded stable of arms. Johnson seems hell-bent on bouncing back after not being able to defend a national championship and has found a way to stack some more talent.

In 2023, of course, LSU won the national championship, riding on the back of Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, who led the Tigers to glory in Omaha for the first time under Jay Johnson.