​The 2026 MLB Draft kicks off on July 11 in Philadelphia, and one former LSU baseball standout could hear his name called in the early stages of the first round. Derek Curiel has drawn considerable attention in the lead-up to the draft, finishing prominently in the latest mock from The Athletic’s Keith Law, released on Monday. Law’s projection places Curiel at No. 12 overall, slated to the Los Angeles Angels. In this mock, Curiel stands as the third outfielder selected and the eighth college player chosen—an indication of how highly he’s valued among college and professional scouts alike. The Athletic’s mock draft is among several respected projections that consistently place Curiel in the upper echelon of the first round, underscoring the consensus around his potential as a high-impact professional.
Despite the speculative chatter about a possible return to Baton Rouge for a third season, the path back to LSU appears unlikely. Curiel left a strong impression during his time with the Tigers, and his years under head coach Jay Johnson were highlighted by performances that made a compelling case for him as a clear first-round talent. In 2025, Curiel earned multiple first-team All-American honors while serving as the leadoff hitter for LSU. His leadership at the top of the order helped the Tigers secure a national championship, the program’s second in three years. Over two seasons with LSU, Curiel posted an impressive .349 batting average and a 0.975 OPS, accumulating 171 hits, 131 runs, and 101 RBIs. Those numbers reflect both his consistency and his ability to influence games from the top of the lineup, traits that scouts and analysts weigh heavily when projecting professional potential.
Curiel’s performance in postseason play and during LSU’s championship run further amplified his draft stock, as did the breadth of his offensive contributions and his defensive versatility in the outfield. He has demonstrated the kind of production and energy that translate well to the professional level, where speed, contact ability, and the capacity to drive in runs from the top of the order are highly valued assets. The combination of his track record at LSU, his proven performance against high-level competition, and the favorable scouting reports surrounding his tools all contribute to a strong case for him to hear his name called early in July.
Draft analysts will continue to refine their projections as more evaluations come in, including workout results, interviews, and the evolving needs of teams as they finalize their draft boards. Curiel’s name figures to remain in the conversation among those forecasting the top portions of the first round, given the trajectory he has established over the past two seasons and the impact he has demonstrated against premier collegiate pitching. For LSU fans and followers of the Cubs and other clubs evaluating outfielder talent, Curiel’s draft outlook represents a compelling narrative of a player who rose to prominence through a combination of leadership, production, and a knack for performing when stakes are highest.
This recap reflects the attention Curiel has drawn across major outlets speculating about the 2026 draft landscape, with particular emphasis on The Athletic’s Law mock and the broader recognition of Curiel as a premier college hitter and defensive contributor. As the July draft approaches, scouts and front offices will be weighing Curiel’s proven resume against the needs and strategic directions of interested franchises, all while the anticipation for the next wave of rookies continues to build.