​LSU will again be represented at the pinnacle levels of Major League Baseball as former Tigers ace Kade Anderson earns a prestigious invitation to the MLB Futures Game, set to run during All-Star Weekend. Anderson, who played a pivotal role in LSU’s 2025 national championship run and was selected third overall by the Seattle Mariners in the MLB draft, will take the mound as a starting pitcher in the Futures Game.
Since turning pro, Anderson has made a striking impression. He owns a 1.36 ERA across 72 innings in Double-A play in Arkansas, leading the minor leagues in opponent batting average at .160 and posting a 0.69 WHIP. With an eye-popping 108 strikeouts, he sits among the top performers in minor league pitching and is widely regarded as the top overall prospect in baseball. The Mariners’ organization has watched his rapid development with excitement, especially given that this success has come in what is still essentially the early portion of his professional career.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson spoke to the significance of Anderson’s achievement and the excitement surrounding his Futures Game selection. “It’s incredibly exciting. He’s had a tremendous half-season and has thrown the ball exceptionally well. For someone in his first professional season, that level of performance is truly impressive. It’s fantastic that he gets the chance to start tomorrow, and we’re eager to see how it all unfolds for him,” Wilson said.
The Futures Game is scheduled to take place on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, with first pitch set for noon. This event offers a high-profile stage for Anderson to showcase his talent to the broader baseball world and continues LSU’s tradition of producing elite pitching talent that makes an impact on the sport’s biggest stages. As the calendar advances toward All-Star Weekend, attention will remain focused on Anderson’s ongoing development, his continued dominance in the minor leagues, and the potential trajectory of his major league career with the Mariners. This milestone provides a compelling narrative for LSU baseball enthusiasts and Mariners fans alike, highlighting the enduring pipeline from LSU’s storied program to prominent roles in Major League Baseball.