Landon Marceaux signs with LSU, waits on MLB Draft

The plight of talented high school pitchers is a tough one.

If a young man throws in the low to mid 90’s or even in the upper 80’s and displays a solid second pitch and good command, he is going to be drafted.

That same young man is going to be courted by top college baseball programs.

If he opts to sign to play at the Division I level, he will be there for at least three years.

Such is the dilemma of Landon Marceaux.

The Destrehan senior officially signed with LSU at a ceremony at the Satellite Center in Luling Wednesday morning with other St. Charles Parish school signees from Destrehan and Hahnville.

Destrehan head coach Chris Mire considered it a privilege to coach Marceaux.

“What sets Landon apart is his work ethic,” Mire said. “He showed up here that way. Many may want to credit coaching with developing his talent but Landon had the ability and he harnessed it and improved it every step of the way. He is a special talent and young man who has a great future. He is balanced, centered and will handle the pressures well. He is very prepared to do so. Landon has been a pleasure to coach. LSU or professional baseball will be getting a very good one.”

Marceaux (6-0, 180) was dominant from the start with the Wildcats.

In his illustrious career, he posted an 18-3 record with a 1.09 ERA. In 167 1/3 innings, Marceaux struck out 239 and walked just 31 batters. He had nine games in which he recorded double digit strikeout numbers.

“It’s a special opportunity that not a lot of people get,” Marceaux said. “It’s a really big moment, it’s special. It is a dream come true. My dad is a graduate from LSU, he got his degree from there and I’ve been growing up an LSU fan my whole life.”

Marceaux knows why Paul Mainieri wanted him.

“They liked my pitch ability, the way I can command my fastball and change speeds and not trying to punch everybody out.” Marceaux said. “What I like about them is their facilities, the weight room, the way they handle things, the big crowds at The Box. It’s special, special.”

Marceaux has been projected to be as high as a second-round draft choice in the upcoming professional baseball draft June 4-6. He is virtually certain to go in the first 10 rounds, most likely in the top five rounds. Marceaux throws 88-91 consistently with his fastball and has a good breaking ball. He was ranked No. 55 in the draft class of 2018 by Baseball America in January.

While many have been scouting him, the Kansas City Royals have perhaps shown the most interest, according to Stroud.

Marceaux pleads ignorance with where he may be drafted.

“I don’t know what to expect,” Marceaux said. “The draft is something that you can’t predict it. You can try to but you can’t. One move can affect the whole draft. It’s a special feeling to be considered to be able to do this.”

What is it going to take for Marceaux to pass on LSU and sign professionally?

“Man, I don’t know,” Marceaux said. “I haven’t really thought about it yet. That’s one of the things we’re talking about, my agent and all. We’re talking about it.”

Marceaux thoroughly enjoyed his time as a Wildcat.

“It was a great four years at Destrehan,” Marceaux said. “School was a challenge. Some people have their strong suits, some people don’t. Baseball-wise, it’s been great. I don’t regret anything. It’s been a great four years.”