Recruiting: Canadian right-handed pitcher Micah Bucknam commits to LSU baseball

LSU has gone north of the border to find another pitcher.

Class of 2021 right-hander Micah Bucknam from Abbotsford in British Columbia, Canada announced is commitment to the Tigers via Twitter:

I am extremely excited to announce my commitment to Louisiana State University. I’d like to thank my coaches and family for helping me make this decision. It’s been a crazy year and the Lord has led me through all of it!#gueaxtigers🐯 pic.twitter.com/C8btnYCxfE

— Micah Bucknam (@BucknamMicah) September 8, 2021

The former University of Washington commitment was chosen out of high school in the 16th round in this year’s Major League Baseball draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Thw 6-foot-1, 180-pound Bucknam reportedly throws up to 94 mph with a curveball and quality changeup as known off-speed options in his arsenal.

RHP Micah Bucknam (WA) attacking hitters at 87-91 early on with short, 77-79 slider.

Competes in the zone. @UW_Baseball recruit #MLBDraft @PrepBaseballBC @NathanRode pic.twitter.com/1KeG0rVge3

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 7, 2020

Bucknam, who has grown up in a combo of Seattle, New Zealand and Canada hasn’t exactly been in a traditional set up for baseball talent, but make no mistake, this is a dude. Bucknam, who has a clean, athletic delivery and build that should add another 15-20 pounds of good weight already has solid stuff. Bucknam sits 90-92 with a fastball that has touched 94 and still has projection remaining. He compliments the pitch with a high 70’s slider and a mid 80’s changeup. It’s a nice pitch mix that should continue to tick up, but where Bucknam really stands out is with his clean delivery and strong command of all three pitches.

This is a polished young arm with notable pitchability and big projection. The UW commit is fairly reminiscent of a right-handed version of former UW commit (current Diamondback) Brock Jones who obviously was signed away from campus. Should he make it to campus, Bucknam could move quickly into the rotation and earn day one consideration but will likely attract attention from scouts now. It’s also worth noting that Bucknam is young for the class and will only be 17 on draft day.

The overall profile suggests Bucknam will be developed as a starter by new LSU head coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Jason Kelly.