Cam Johnson East Squad’s Cam Johnson pitches during the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Chase Field on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022. Uscp 7mie98a8ckm14f7h1rk2 Original

Heading into the 2023 MLB Draft, Cam Johnson was one of the more promising pitchers coming out of high school.

Alas, he chose the college route at LSU, even after forgoing some first-round MLB offers.

“Initially, Cam was disappointed,” his father, Steve Johnson, told Nola.com’s Koki Riley. “And the reason he didn’t sign a pro contract is (because) we turned down a few offers in the first round. And we were firm that if they didn’t meet our number, that we go to college.

“And Cam was very comfortable with that,” Steve added.

Steve said Cam and the family quickly fell in love with the college after visiting.

According to MLB Pipeline’s scouting report, Johnson’s 6-foot-5 frame was one of the things that stood out. That, and the fact that he was left-handed, didn’t hurt. They complimented his above-average “nasty” slider that came out of the southpaw’s three-quarter arm slot delivery. And despite some fatigue toward the end of the summer, he maintained his stuff.

“Cam Johnson’s had the opportunity to build a friendship and mentorship with Hall of Famer Dave Winfield since he was 14 years old,” Perfect Game’s Dani Wexelman told The Comeback. “He told me Winfield’s inspired him to be an advocate and stand up for the Black community because the HOF told him he was a stepping stone for minorities in the game.

“He’s extremely composed on the mound while throwing his pitches with conviction,” Wexelman added.

He relies heavily on his fastball which can reach 97 mph.

Johnson didn’t take long to realize he had made the correct decision to go to LSU just after the first semester.

As far as draft day went, it was a range of emotions.

“It was hectic, especially that first night,” Cam said. “I was getting calls and teams in the first round were offering, and we were like, ‘Hey, this is not our number,’ and I was like, ‘Dang, that’s a lot of money.’

“But you have to realize in the (long run) that’s (might be) the only contract you’re getting with that amount of money.”

Cam was the highest-ranked prospect in the draft that didn’t sign with an organization.

He looks to be one of the top arms in the 2026 MLB Draft.

[NOLA.com, MLB Pipeline]

About Jessica Kleinschmidt

Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.