One of LSU’s top bullpen arms decided to turn pro.
The Baltimore Orioles selected [autotag]Riley Cooper[/autotag] in the 13th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Cooper saw his stock shoot up over the last month of the season where he emerged as Jay Johnson’s most trusted reliever.
Cooper followed Johnson to LSU from Arizona in 2021 and posted a 4.20 ERA as a sophomore.
But Cooper went on a tear to close his career with a 2.63 ERA over his last 32.2 innings. He appeared five times in the College World Series and allowed just one run. Every aspect of his arsenal improved and the Orioles likely see something in his attacking style.
It does leave some questions about the backend of LSU’s pen. Some thought Cooper would return to LSU entering the draft, but now LSU will need to find a new shutdown man.
Riley Cooper will sign his pro contract and will not return to LSU, per source. He was taken in the 13th round by the Orioles. #LSU
— Leah Vann (@LVann_Sports) July 11, 2023
Riley Cooper has been selected by the Baltimore Orioles with the 391st pick@Rileycoop | @Orioles pic.twitter.com/0Lr8hkBgS0
— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) July 11, 2023
The Tigers have already pulled several good relievers from the portal and have some options in-house too. [autotag]Gavin Guidry[/autotag], for one.
Cooper was one of 13 LSU players to be drafted.
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