Kade Anderson Embraces Skenes and Burrow Comparisons Ahead of 2025 MLB Draft
Time to break it down for you—here’s the lowdown on LSU’s rising star. Award-winning journalist on deck. LSU sophomore ace Kade Anderson wrapped up a historic season in Baton Rouge with a national championship on June 26, 2025, and the baseball world hasn’t stopped buzzing since. At 20 years old, Anderson has already drawn flattering parallels to two of LSU’s most celebrated alumni: former Tigers draft-pick phenom Paul Skenes and NFL MVP Joe Burrow.
In an exclusive sit-down with TMZ Sports, Anderson admitted he’s “honored and humbled” to be mentioned alongside legends who each went No. 1 overall in their professional drafts. “Growing up, I watched them rewrite the record books,” he told reporters while manning a ceremonial shift at Raising Cane’s in Louisiana. “To even be in the same conversation is surreal.”
Anderson’s rapid ascent has roots in a dominant sophomore campaign. He posted a sub-2.00 ERA over 80 innings, struck out 115 batters, and helped LSU seal its first national title since 2009. Scouts have taken note, and with the 2025 MLB Draft slated for July 13, many draft analysts peg Anderson as the consensus top pick. Baseball America flagged him as the top arm in the draft class, while MLB Pipeline praised his advanced pitch mix and poise on the mound.
Head coach Jay Johnson has been Anderson’s biggest champion. Earlier in June, Johnson called his left-hander “the best player in the country,” a bold statement that underscores Anderson’s talent and leadership. Johnson’s endorsement mirrors remarks from Skenes himself—now with the Pittsburgh Pirates—who told Sports Illustrated in May that Anderson’s “fastball command and composure” remind him of his own early days in college baseball.
For Anderson, comparisons don’t create pressure; they fuel his fire. He credits LSU’s winning culture and close-knit clubhouse for molding him into a polished prospect. “We grind every day,” he said. “I owe a lot to the guys who came before me, and I’m just trying to carry the torch.”
As draft day looms, Anderson’s stock shows no signs of cooling. The combination of a championship pedigree, professional-grade arsenal, and high-profile endorsements has solidified his status as the draft’s most bankable talent. On July 13, it’s expected to take mere minutes before Commissioner Rob Manfred announces, “With the first pick…” and calls Anderson’s name.
And there you have it; consider this your scouting report on the next LSU legend in waiting. Make of that what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ Sports, Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, Sports Illustrated
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
