Cameron Johnson, LSU baseball signee and elite pitching prospect, reportedly makes MLB decision

Cameron Johnson will pitch for LSU next season, according to a report.

Johnson, regarded one of the top high school pitching prospects in the country, was selected in the 20th round by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2023 MLB Draft. Johnson likely would have been a Day 1 pick, but fell in the draft due to signability concerns.

According to Zack Nagy of LSU Country, Johnson will not sign a deal with the Cardinals.

Source: Cameron Johnson will not sign his pro contract with the St. Louis Cardinals and is headed to #LSU.

The No. 2 rated LHP will make his way to Baton Rouge to join the National Champion LSU Tigers.

Jay Johnson retains the coveted southpaw.

Read: https://t.co/SeLprlY2NN pic.twitter.com/hzkOPTaBFm

— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) July 13, 2023

Johnson’s decision is not a surprise. Although the Cardinals selected him in the final round of the MLB Draft, it seems they did not expect to be able to sign him away from his LSU commitment.

Cardinals scouting director Randy Flores called picking Johnson a “Hail Mary” in a post-draft press conference.

#STLCards Ast. GM/Director of Scouting Randy Flores on selecting 6-foot-4 LHP & LSU commit Cameron Johnson in the 20th round of the MLB Draft:

"That's like a little bit of a prayer, a little bit of a Hail Mary. We'll see how it shakes out."

The MLB signing deadline is July 25.

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) July 11, 2023

Johnson will arrive at LSU with a great chance to earn a spot in the Tigers’ weekend rotation. He’s a talented lefty with a 6-foot-4 frame and a fastball that has touched 98 miles per hour, according to reports.

LSU will be looking to defend its National Championship in 2024.