From Collegiate Star to MLB Prospect: Curiel's Journey to the Draft Spotlight
Anticipated Top Pick: Curiel's High Ranking in MLB Mock Drafts
As the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft approaches, scheduled to commence on July 11th in Philadelphia, attention is focused on former LSU baseball sensation, Derek Curiel. Recent mock drafts suggest Curiel is a strong contender for an early first-round selection. Notably, a mock draft published by The Athletic's Keith Law positions Curiel as the 12th overall pick, destined for the Los Angeles Angels. This projection places him as the third outfielder and the eighth collegiate athlete to be selected, reflecting widespread consensus on his high draft stock.
LSU Legacy: Curiel's Stellar Collegiate Career
Despite previous indications of a possible return to Baton Rouge for a third season, the likelihood of Curiel rejoining the LSU Tigers appears slim given his current draft projections. His tenure under head coach Jay Johnson was marked by two extraordinary seasons, firmly establishing him as a prime candidate for the first round. In 2025, Curiel earned multiple first-team All-American accolades, playing a pivotal role as the leadoff hitter in LSU's successful campaign to secure their second national championship in three years. Over his two-year career with the Tigers, he boasted an impressive batting average of .349, a .975 OPS, with 171 hits, 131 runs scored, and 101 runs batted in.
