As the 2026 season was winding down, LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson could not imagine Tigers shortstop Steven “Monster” Milam returning for his senior season.
Johnson said one of the 30 Major League Baseball teams would draft Milam and give him a two-million-dollar signing bonus. Johnson acknowledged Milam loved LSU, but that kind of money would be too hard to pass up.
But as the draft projections kept coming out, the two-million-dollar figure seemed a little far-fetched.
Based on projected slot value bonuses, Milam would have to be a top 50 pick in next month’s Major League Baseball draft to see two million dollars.
Milam has been a great player at LSU, and he’s the best defensive shortstop in college baseball, but because of his size and concerns that he might not hit enough in the Majors to be a long-time starter, Milam was not projected to be a Top 50 pick in the 2026 MLB draft.
Draft projections had Milam as a fourth to sixth round draft pick, which means a signing bonus of anywhere between $400,000 to $700,000.
In today’s NIL world, LSU and its private contributors put together a financial package that would be more lucrative for him to play one more season at LSU than what he could receive if he entered the MLB draft.
Milam has left no doubt, as he’s officially withdrawn his name from the Major League Baseball Draft, and he will return for his senior season.
LSU could have one of the best middle infields in the country next season, as Florida transfer Cade Kurland, who played for four seasons for the Gators, has also formally removed his name from the MLB draft.
Kurland was a Freshman All-American at Florida in 2023. Had a decent season in 2024, but injuries have been an issue the last two years.
If Kurland can regain that 2023 form, coupled with Milam’s elite defensive skills and his tendency to get hot as the weather warms up, look out, LSU has something really special.
Milam’s mom tweeted out a picture on Friday of Milam and Kurland playing together on a travel ball team when they were kids. So the chemistry is already there!
And the rest of the infield looks really good. Texas State transfer Dawson Park is a potential starter at third base. Incoming sophomore Mason Braun will man first base.
Part-time starters in 2026, John Pearson and Jack Ruckert, can provide good depth and will get their opportunities because you never know what will happen in baseball, as the 2026 season showed.
And don’t forget about LSU’s two catchers, Cade Arrambide and Omar Serna, who have to improve defensively, but are already outstanding collegiate hitters.
It’s an infield that would make any college team envious, and it’s scary to think how good they could be.
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