While Josh Smith was the lone LSU Tiger selected during day one of the 2019 MLB Draft, three signees to the program were drafted on Monday night, making things a little more interesting for the rest of the signees headed into day two.
Daniel Espino out of the Georgia Premier Academy was picked 24th overall by the Cleveland Indians. The Panama native developed into one of the hardest throwers in this year’s prep class. He also shattered Hunter Greene’s Under Armour All-America Game record with a fastball that clocked at 99 mph. The pick value for the righty according to MLB’s Draft Tracker is $2.83 million.
One of the top infielders from LSU’s recruiting class was Rece Hinds and he was drafted in the second round at 49th overall by the Cincinnati Reds. The power hitter out of the IMG Academy was compared during the MLB Network’s broadcast to current Texas Ranger Joey Gallo for his ability to hit the long-ball while also having a propensity to strike out. His pick value is $1.51 million.
The final LSU signee to get snatched up was right-handed pitcher Jimmy Lewis with the final pick of the first day by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Austin, Texas native has been clocked in the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball with plenty of muscle to build on his 6’6” frame. His pick value is $793,000 according to MLB’s Draft Tracker.
-Clint Domingue