iStockphoto / Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
LSU baseball player Steven Milam has a decision to make on his future. The middle infielder could enter the MLB Draft. He could return to Baton Rouge.
Draft projections and potential payout will impact that decision. He dared a pro team to make him a priority with recent social media activity.
Milam has teased the idea of coming back for his senior year. He did so in the most comical way.
Steven Milam changed his profile picture.
Instagram: Steven Milam
The shortstop briefly switched his profile picture to a photo of a smirking Jay Johnson. He’s since changed it back to its original. The activity is suspicious given the context.
Johnson recently partook in a local interview with reporter Michael Cauble. While that conversation was immediately interrupted by a phone call from transfer commit Bino Watters, the head coach quickly returned to discuss the outlook of the program after missing the NCAA Tournament.
Johnson was asked about Milam’s intentions to enter the MLB Draft. He gave a sly smile without confirming or denying the infielder’s plans.
Jay Johnson’s face when Michael Cauble insinuated that Steven Milam was definitely headed off to pro ball.
I don’t know man…haven’t been able to get that smirk out of my head all afternoon.
Could you imagine?
Where Yat, @Monster_Milam99 ?! 🐯 pic.twitter.com/FOCzaYrHsG— Inside LSU Baseball (@Insidelsubsbl) June 10, 2026
Milam is a legitimate pro talent. He’s a career .305 hitter with 41 homers across three seasons in Baton Rouge. He is also the best defender on the roster.
Draft projections see him as a third-to-fifth round selection.
A preseason list from Baseball America tabbed him as the 84th-best draft eligible prospect. He was ranked 70th in a March release from Perfect Game.
Currently, he sits outside the Top 150 on MLB.com.
Draft position will impact his decision making. A third-round slot could come with a pick value north of $1 million. That payout falls to around $400,000 if outside the first five rounds.
If Milam can secure the bag, he will jump to the MLB. If not, LSU might be able to match his expected bonus.
His social media activity shows he’s willing to listen to the Tigers. Johnson’s smirk suggests conversations have already been had.
With a return on the table, MLB teams will have to make Milam a priority. He has options. He needs an offer he can’t refuse.