Jared Jones, the LSU baseball powerhouse, has been drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth round, securing the No. 263 pick. Despite a tumultuous junior year, where he showcased his immense raw power, he maintained a solid .323 batting average along with 22 home runs and 76 RBIs. His clutch performances during the NCAA Tournament, including a pivotal walk-off hit against Arkansas, underscored his potential. Jones, who contributed to the Tigers' national championship in 2023, opted to return for another year, enhancing his skills and draft stock despite the ups and downs.