LSU Baseball commit C/1B Omar Serna has announced he intends to pull his name from the upcoming MLB Draft and attend LSU!
BATON ROUGE, La. — In a major win for LSU baseball and head coach Jay Johnson, Omar Serna, one of the top power hitters in the 2024 high school class, has officially withdrawn his name from the upcoming MLB Draft and announced his intention to enroll at LSU this fall.
The decision, made public via a statement on Serna’s social media pages Saturday morning, marks a significant shift in the 6-foot-3, 215-pound slugger’s trajectory — and solidifies LSU’s 2024 signing class as one of the most feared in the country.
“After long talks with my family, coaches, and mentors, I’ve decided to pull my name from the MLB Draft and take my talents to Baton Rouge,” Serna wrote. “I’m ready to develop at LSU, compete for championships, and represent the Tigers with everything I’ve got.”
A native of Laredo, Texas, Serna is a consensus Top-150 overall prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft class and was widely projected as a potential Day 2 selection, with some scouts believing he could sneak into late second-round discussions due to his advanced bat and mature approach at the plate.
Serna primarily plays catcher and first base, giving LSU flexibility at two key offensive positions. His plus power to all fields, soft hands behind the plate, and excellent plate discipline have drawn comparisons to former LSU star and MLB standout Sean Ochinko.
In his senior season at Alexander High School, Serna hit:
- .468 batting average
- 14 home runs
- 48 RBIs
- .590 OBP
He also threw out 40% of attempted base stealers, showing he can control the running game from behind the dish.
By choosing to forgo the pros and head to college, Serna becomes a cornerstone of LSU’s incoming freshman class — and fills a crucial need in the wake of roster turnover from the 2023 and 2024 MLB Drafts.
With Cade Beloso, Hayden Travinski, and Brady Neal either gone or entering the next phase of their careers, Serna’s addition immediately bolsters the Tigers’ options at both catcher and first base. His presence could lead to early playing time, particularly if his bat translates quickly at the collegiate level.
Head coach Jay Johnson, who has emphasized plate discipline and power in his recruiting strategy, is believed to have played a pivotal role in Serna’s decision to delay his professional career.
“Coach Johnson made me feel like family from day one,” Serna told Baseball America. “He believes in my development, and I know LSU is where I’ll grow the most as a player and a person.”
For many high school stars, the temptation of professional baseball is strong — especially with signing bonuses often reaching six figures, even in the later rounds. But Serna’s choice reflects a growing trend of top-tier prep players opting to build their brands in college, develop under elite coaching, and potentially increase their draft value by the time they’re eligible again.
Analysts believe Serna could evolve into a Top-50 overall prospect in the 2027 MLB Draft if he produces early and continues developing physically. The chance to play in front of 10,000+ fans at Alex Box Stadium, against top-tier SEC competition, and in the national spotlight on ESPN and SEC Network no doubt factored into his decision.
With Serna now locked in, LSU’s incoming class — already ranked No. 1 nationally by both Perfect Game and D1Baseball — becomes even more formidable. He joins an elite crop of freshmen that includes:
- Eli Johnson, RHP (No. 12 overall prospect)
- Kameron LeJeune, SS (Top-75 national prospect)
- Blake Guidry, OF (Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year)
- Tyler James, LHP (93 mph+ fastball with swing-and-miss stuff)
If this group stays intact post-draft, the Tigers could be on the verge of reloading in a way reminiscent of their 2023 national championship team.
News of Serna’s withdrawal from the MLB Draft and firm commitment to LSU spread quickly across social media, drawing praise from scouts, former players, and fans alike.
- Kendall Rogers (D1Baseball):
“Huge win for LSU. Serna is an SEC-ready bat with real juice. Skipping the draft is rare at his level — says a lot about LSU’s program and development plan.” - Ben McDonald, LSU legend:
“Big-time news for my Tigers. Can’t wait to see Serna in purple and gold. That bat is going to make some noise in the Box.”
Even current LSU players like outfielder Paxton Kling chimed in, welcoming Serna with a tweet:
“Let’s gooo!!! Big-time bat coming in. Welcome to the squad, O!”
Serna will report to campus in early August for summer workouts and fall ball. Expect him to compete immediately for playing time at first base or designated hitter, with catching reps mixed in as he develops behind the plate. His physical build, maturity, and offensive ceiling suggest a fast track toward contributing in SEC play and potentially postseason baseball in Omaha.
In the long term, Serna hopes to follow in the footsteps of LSU legends like DJ LeMahieu, Alex Bregman, and Jacob Berry — players who arrived with elite tools, embraced the grind in Baton Rouge, and became first-round MLB Draft picks.
Omar Serna’s decision to pass on the MLB Draft and commit to LSU sends a powerful message — about the strength of the program, the influence of Jay Johnson, and the growing value of the college baseball experience. LSU isn’t just a fallback option anymore; it’s a destination of choice for America’s top talent.
With Serna’s bat, defensive versatility, and fierce competitiveness, the Tigers just added another cornerstone to their national championship ambitions.
Welcome to Baton Rouge, Omar. Geaux Tigers.
