Kade Anderson Named Baseball America’s 2025 College Pitcher Of The Year
Image credit: Kade Anderson (Photo by Eddie Kelly/ ProLook Photos)
By the time the dogpile cleared in Omaha, Kade Anderson had already cemented himself as the most dominant pitcher in college baseball. Now, the LSU ace has one more accolade to add to his resumé: Baseball America’s inaugural College Pitcher of the Year Award.
A draft-eligible sophomore, Anderson authored one of the most complete and captivating seasons in recent memory. His legend, though, was really born in June when the lights were brightest.
In 16 innings on the College World Series stage, Anderson allowed just one run and struck out 17 batters. He was named the tournament’s most outstanding player after helping to close the door on Coastal Carolina with a complete-game shutout in the national title game—just the third ever in CWS final history.
“He toys with you,” LSU shortstop Steven Milam told Baseball America.
Anderson finished his sophomore campaign with a 3.18 ERA and a nation-leading 180 strikeouts across 119 innings. He walked only 35, delivered double-digit strikeouts in 11 of his 19 starts and rarely looked rattled—even against the SEC’s most potent lineups or in Omaha with a title on the line.
The 6-foot-2, 186-pound lefthander combines impressive command with a cold-blooded demeanor and a devastating arsenal. His fastball hovers in the low-to-mid 90s with carry. But his best weapons are his breaking balls—two distinct shapes in a curveball and slider, both of which can eclipse 3,000 rpm and are thrown with equal confidence in any count.
“He’s like a lion out there,” LSU outfielder Derek Curiel said. “It’s not just the stuff. It’s the confidence and the feel. The way he attacks.”
Curiel faced Anderson three times in intrasquad scrimmages. He walked once, grounded out once and struck out once, which he considered a win.
“He wants to embarrass you,” Milam told Baseball America.
That intensity, mixed with polish beyond his years, helped Anderson surge up draft boards. Once considered a Day 1 talent, he’s now a consensus top 10 prospect as the top college player in BA’s latest draft rankings and could be in play as early as the No. 1 overall pick.
LSU head coach Jay Johnson didn’t mince words in Omaha.
“His next pitch should be for someplace in the Washington Nationals organization,” Johnson said. “I’s not close.”
Anderson departs Baton Rouge with a 3.38 career ERA and 239 strikeouts in 157.1 innings. His trajectory—from intriguing freshman to College World Series MOP in the span of 18 months—is a testament to not only talent, but discipline, as well.
“You’re getting a competitor,” LSU third baseman Michael Braswell said of Anderson. “An ace in the rotation. One of the youngest draft-eligible arms out there, and he’s just going to keep getting better.”
Baseball America’s creation of a standalone College Pitcher of the Year award comes at a time when elite arms are under more scrutiny than ever, both by pro evaluators and the sport itself. Anderson’s season—durable, dominant and deeply competitive—set the gold standard.
“He’s just a workhorse,” Milam said. “He’s one of my best friends, and he’s one of the best people I’ve ever met. He’s humble. He comes from a great family. And he gives you everything he has every time out.”
