LSU shortstop Kramer Robertson will return for senior season

Cleveland selected Robertson in the 32nd round of the MLB Draft

By JAMES MORAN
Tiger Rag Associate Editor

The Tigers will have their All-SEC shortstop back in 2017.

Kramer Robertson will return to LSU for his senior season instead of signing professionally, the shortstop told Tiger Rag Thursday shortly before announcing the news via Twitter. The Cleveland Indians selected Robertson in the 32nd round (No. 962 overall) of the MLB Draft on Saturday.

Excited for one more ride with Tiger Nation! pic.twitter.com/79T7L31RKe

— Kramer Robertson (@KramerR3) June 16, 2016

Robertson confirmed via text that he won’t be participating in a summer league before returning for fall practice. LSU’s season ended Sunday with a 4-3 loss to Coastal Carolina in the Baton Rouge Super Regional.

After beginning the season at second base, Robertson’s move to shortstop solidified LSU’s infield. His penchant for clutch hits earned him the No. 3 spot in Paul Mainieri’s everyday lineup by year’s end, and his willingness to play through pain ushered his ascension to becoming the unquestioned leader of a young club.

Robertson earned Louisville Slugger second-team All-American honors for his junior campaign, which he finished hitting .324 with 39 RBI, two home runs and a team-high 20 doubles.

One of eight LSU players drafted last week, Robertson joins first baseman Greg Deichmann in announcing he’ll return to school for next season. A team source confirmed the slugger won’t be signing with the Minnesota Twins after being selected in the 26th round.

Outfielder Jake Fraley, drafted No. 77 overall by the Tampa Bay Rays, confirmed last Friday that he’ll be signing professionally. Right-hander pitcher Riley Smith announced via twitter Monday that he’ll be signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks after being selected in the 24th round.

The Tigers are still awaiting decisions from left-hander Jared Poche’ (14th round, San Diego Padres), right-hander Jesse Stallings (15th round, Cincinnati Reds), second baseman Cole Freeman (18th round, Los Angeles Dodgers) and right-hander Parker Bugg (27th round, Miami Marlins).

As far as signees, No. 4 overall pick Riley Pint (Colorado Rockies) and JUCO pitcher Kyle Weatherly, an eighth-round selection of the Toronto Blue Jays, both signed professionally.

Right-handed pitcher Zach Hess tweeted that he’ll be enrolling at LSU instead of signing with the New York Yankees, who selected him in the 35th round. The staff expects the remainder of LSU’s signing class will also make their way to campus.

The deadline to sign is July 15.