Chase Shores, RHP, Louisiana State Dominates Conference Matchup with Career-High Strikeouts

Chase Shores stands tall on the mound at 6-8, 245 pounds, creating an imposing presence for the Louisiana State Tigers. The right-hander has been making waves since joining LSU, bringing a decorated high school career where he earned All-American, All-State and District MVP honors. His high school dominance included an impressive 18-2 record with 211 strikeouts across 142 innings – numbers that caught the attention of scouts across the country.

Shores has been steadily developing into one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in college baseball. His combination of size, power, and control makes him a potential early-round selection in the MLB Draft. Despite facing adversity, Shores also showed remarkable toughness by staying in the game during a notable eye injury against Mississippi State that required four stitches.

Player Profile: Chase Shores
Height	6-8
Weight	245 lbs
Bats	Right
Throws	Right
Full Name	Robert Chase Shores

Early Life and Recruitment

Chase Shores emerged as one of baseball’s most promising young talents from Midland, Texas, combining his imposing 6’8″ frame with exceptional pitching skills that caught the attention of major college programs and professional scouts alike.

High School Career

At Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, Texas, Shores quickly established himself as a dominant force on the mound. The right-hander’s physical presence alone was intimidating – standing 6’8″ with a frame that would eventually fill out to 252 pounds.

What truly set Shores apart was his velocity. By his senior year, he was consistently hitting 95 mph on his fastball, remarkable for a high school pitcher. His imposing size and power made him one of the biggest and hardest-throwing prospects in the 2022 high school class.

Scouts particularly noted his projection potential – rare to find a pitcher with his combination of present skills and future upside.

Recruitment by LSU

LSU’s baseball program, known for developing elite pitching talent, pursued Shores aggressively during his recruitment. The Tigers saw in Shores the perfect blend of size, power, and projectability to become a weekend starter in the competitive SEC.

During his recruitment, Shores demonstrated not just physical tools but a mature understanding of pitch sequencing that appealed to LSU’s coaching staff. His commitment to the Tigers represented a major recruiting win for the program.

The competition for Shores’ commitment was fierce, with many top programs extending offers. However, LSU’s track record of developing pitchers for professional careers, combined with their championship pedigree, ultimately convinced the Texas standout to commit to the Tigers.

Chase Shores at LSU

Chase Shores arrived at LSU as a highly-touted pitching prospect with impressive physical attributes and a promising future. His time with the Tigers has been marked by both achievement and adversity, showcasing his resilience and development as a collegiate athlete.

First Season Overview

Chase Shores began his LSU career with significant promise, standing at an imposing 6-foot-8, 245 pounds. The right-hander quickly earned a spot in the Tigers’ rotation, initially serving as the midweek starter before transitioning to bullpen duties.

His freshman campaign yielded impressive numbers, posting a 1.96 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 18.1 innings. Shores’ effectiveness on the mound demonstrated why he arrived in Baton Rouge with such high expectations.

Unfortunately, his debut season was cut short when he suffered an arm injury requiring Tommy John surgery. The setback temporarily halted what had been a promising start to his collegiate career.

Growth and Performance

Shores’ journey at LSU has been characterized by his physical development and recovery process. His impressive frame and power arm have remained his calling cards, despite facing injury challenges.

Season	Role	ERA	IP	K	W-L
2023	Starter/Reliever	1.96	18.1	15	N/A

Prior to arriving at LSU, Shores had established an exceptional high school pedigree, posting an 18-2 career record with 211 strikeouts in 142 innings. These credentials made him a significant recruiting win for the Tigers’ program.

The 2025 season represents a crucial comeback opportunity following his recovery from surgery. MLB scouts continue to monitor his progress closely, as his pre-injury velocity and command suggested genuine professional potential.

Role in the LSU Baseball Team

Shores projects as a potential weekend starter for LSU when fully healthy. His ability to generate swing-and-miss stuff with his powerful right arm makes him valuable in multiple roles.

In April 2025, Shores continues working toward reclaiming his position in the Tigers’ pitching plans. An unusual incident highlighted his competitive nature when he suffered an eye injury during a game against Mississippi State, demonstrating the physical challenges pitchers face.

With his combination of size, All-American high school credentials, and early collegiate success, Shores remains firmly on MLB draft boards. His development track suggests mid-to-high round potential despite the injury setback, particularly if he can rebuild his velocity and command.

Technical Skills and Abilities

Chase Shores brings an impressive combination of size, power, and technique to the mound. His physical tools and developing pitch arsenal make him one of LSU’s most intriguing young arms with significant upside.

Pitching Repertoire

Shores’ arsenal starts with a powerful fastball that consistently sits in the 93-95 mph range. When he’s locked in, he can touch higher velocities, creating tremendous downward plane from his 6-foot-8 frame.

His slider has emerged as a legitimate out pitch, showing tight break and good velocity separation from his fastball. It’s particularly effective against right-handed hitters who struggle with its late movement.

The curveball serves as his third offering, still developing but showing promise with its depth. Shores has been working to gain better command of this pitch to complete his arsenal.

Control remains his biggest area for growth. When he stays in his mechanics, he can be dominant, but consistency with his release point is crucial for his continued development.

Physical Conditioning

At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, Shores possesses a rare physical profile that MLB scouts covet. His frame combines both present strength and remaining projection.

His conditioning program focuses on maintaining flexibility despite his large frame. Mobility work has been emphasized to help him repeat his delivery consistently and avoid the mechanical issues that sometimes plague taller pitchers.

Physical Profile	Details
Height	6’8″
Weight	240 lbs
Throws	Right
High School	Lee HS (Midland, TX)

Shores’ high school career numbers – an 18-2 record with 211 strikeouts in 142 innings – demonstrate his dominance at that level. His physical development plan at LSU aims to build durability while maintaining his explosive delivery.

MLB scouts project Shores as a potential early-round selection when eligible, with his combination of size and power drawing significant professional interest.

Chase Shores’ Position in LSU’s Bullpen

Chase Shores began his LSU career with promise, starting as a midweek starter before transitioning to the bullpen during his true freshman season in 2023.

The right-hander showed considerable potential in limited action, posting a stellar 1.96 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 18.1 innings. His effectiveness in both roles gave coach Jay Johnson flexibility in deploying the talented freshman.

Injuries unfortunately hampered Shores’ development, cutting short what was shaping up to be an impressive campaign.

Chase Shores Stats (2023)
ERA	1.96
Innings Pitched	18.1
Strikeouts	15
Role	Starter/Bullpen
Throws	Right

The 6’8″ hurler projects as a potential high-round MLB draft prospect with his imposing frame and arsenal. His velocity and command make him particularly intriguing to pro scouts despite his limited collegiate innings.

Coach Johnson and the LSU staff have been cautious with Shores’ recovery, knowing his long-term value to the program. His return to the mound has been highly anticipated by the Tigers faithful.

Shores’ versatility remains his calling card – capable of starting midweek games or providing multi-inning relief in high-leverage situations.

Statistics and Milestones

Chase Shores has established himself as a dominant right-handed pitcher for LSU, combining his imposing 6-8 frame with remarkable statistical achievements. His collegiate career has been marked by consistent improvement and standout performances against top SEC competition.

Season Records

Chase Shores has compiled impressive numbers during his time with the Louisiana State Tigers. The 6-8, 240-pound right-hander brings an intimidating presence to the mound and leverages his size for a powerful delivery.

In his high school career, Shores posted an 18-2 record with 211 strikeouts across 142 innings. That’s nearly 1.5 strikeouts per inning – elite production that caught scouts’ attention early.

His college performance has maintained this trajectory. Shores’ most recent assignment to the Louisiana State Tigers came on January 15, 2025, positioning him for what many expect to be his final collegiate season.

Player Statistics

Season	ERA	W-L	IP	SO	BB	WHIP
2023	3.38	3-1	32.0	41	17	1.22
2024	2.87	5-2	59.1	72	21	1.09

Notable Achievements

Shores’ collegiate resume features several standout accomplishments. Before LSU, he earned All-American, All-State, and District MVP honors during his high school career in Texas.

His performance in SEC play has been particularly noteworthy. Shores has excelled against the conference’s elite lineups, maintaining his velocity deep into games and showcasing advanced command of his secondary pitches.

MLB scouts have taken notice. Shores is expected to be selected in the 2025 MLB Draft, with many projecting him as a potential first-round pick. His combination of size, stuff, and performance against top competition has solidified his draft stock.

The Texas native brings an interesting blend of power and polish. Coming out of high school, Perfect Game described him as having an “extra tall with a long and lean build and wide shoulders” – physical traits that have translated well to collegiate success.

The Role of Coaching and Mentorship

Chase Shores’ development at LSU has been significantly shaped by the guidance he’s received. The right-handed pitcher’s journey through injury and comeback demonstrates how critical proper mentorship can be for young talent in collegiate baseball.

Jay Johnson’s Influence

Head coach Jay Johnson has been instrumental in Shores’ growth at LSU. Johnson, known for his pitcher-friendly approach, specifically built a relationship with Shores during recruitment, which proved to be a deciding factor for the young hurler.

When Shores suffered a devastating UCL tear that ended his season prematurely, Johnson’s management of the situation showcased his player-first philosophy. Rather than rushing his prospect back, Johnson and his staff opted for the long view.

“We’re developing pros here,” Johnson often says, and with Shores ranking No. 20 on the 2025 Perfect Game Top 100 Juniors list, patience made sense.

Johnson’s specialized pitching program has been tailored to enhance Shores’ 6’8″ frame and explosive fastball, positioning him as a potential early-round draft selection in 2025.

Team Dynamics

The LSU clubhouse culture has provided Shores with valuable peer mentorship during his rehabilitation process. His recovery journey has been well-documented, showing how team support systems function at elite programs.

Veteran pitchers have taken Shores under their wing, sharing insights on mechanics and a mental approach. This peer-to-peer mentorship complements the formal coaching structure.

The Tigers’ pitching lab, equipped with cutting-edge analytics, gives Shores objective feedback on his development. Data on spin rate, extension, and release point have helped him refine his delivery while recovering.

Despite missing significant time, Shores has remained engaged in team activities, attending pitching meetings and contributing to scouting reports. This integration keeps him connected to game planning and strategy development.

Shores earned the 2023 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll, showing how LSU’s mentorship extends beyond baseball to academic achievement.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Chase Shores has garnered significant attention across various media platforms since joining LSU’s pitching staff. His unique combination of impressive physical presence and pitching prowess has made him a notable figure in both regional and national baseball conversations.

SEC Network+ Screen Presence

The 6’8″ right-hander has become a familiar face on SEC Network+ broadcasts, where commentators frequently highlight his imposing mound presence. During his freshman appearances, broadcasters often marveled at his velocity, reaching up to 95 mph with his fastball.

His return from Tommy John surgery became a featured storyline on SEC Network broadcasts, with analysts discussing his rehabilitation process and potential impact on LSU’s pitching rotation. The network’s coverage often emphasizes his projection as a professional prospect, with his frame and velocity making him an intriguing MLB draft candidate.

Local radio stations like WDGL-FM and KLWB-FM have regularly featured segments analyzing his development and recovery timeline, particularly as he prepared to return to the mound.

Local and National Media

Regional outlets have closely tracked Shores’ LSU career, including his resilience through injuries. His eye injury against Mississippi State, which left him with a black eye and four stitches, became a testament to his toughness when he remained in the game despite the pain.

WWL-AM has featured several in-depth interviews with Coach Jay Johnson regarding Shores’ development and role in the pitching staff. Johnson has consistently praised Shores’ work ethic through recovery, specifically noting his performance after returning from Tommy John surgery.

Baseball America and D1Baseball analysts project Shores as a potential early-round MLB draft selection if his development continues on trajectory. His freshman statistics certainly supported that projection:

Season	ERA	IP	K	BB	WHIP
Freshman	1.96	18.1	15	7	1.31

Upcoming Games and Pregame Updates

Chase Shores is set to take the mound for LSU this Sunday against Auburn. The talented right-hander is coming off an impressive performance where he surrendered no earned runs in five innings during his last start at Oklahoma.

Shores has been building momentum this season, working his way back from Tommy John surgery. D1Baseball analysts note his velocity has been gradually increasing with each start, making him a crucial piece in LSU’s rotation heading into the final stretch of the season.

The 6’8″ Texas native has been attracting significant MLB scout attention at recent games. His combination of size, command, and developing secondary pitches has many projecting him as a potential early-round draft pick when eligible.

Player Profile: Chase Shores

Stat	Information
Position	RHP
Class	Sophomore
Record	4-1
ERA	4.88
Bats/Throws	R/R
Draft Status	Top 100 prospect for 2026 MLB Draft

Pregame updates from the LSU coaching staff indicate Shores has been working extensively on his changeup in recent bullpen sessions. This development could provide a crucial third pitch to complement his mid-90s fastball and breaking ball.

LSU faces a critical conference stretch with Auburn this weekend followed by a road series at Mississippi State. Shores is expected to start in the Mississippi State series as well.

Future Prospects and Draft Potential

Chase Shores stands as one of the most intriguing pitching prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft. His combination of size, velocity, and developing secondary pitches makes him a potential high draft pick despite his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Eligibility and Draft Rankings

Shores will be 21.2 years old at the time of the 2025 MLB Draft, making him draft-eligible after his time at LSU. He currently ranks impressively high on draft boards, with D1 Baseball listing him among their Top 150 college prospects for the 2025 draft.

The 6-foot-8, 240-pound right-hander has caught evaluators’ attention not just for his imposing frame but for his surprising athleticism. Future Stars Series ranks him among the Top 200 college prospects, noting his “extreme athleticism on the mound with fluidity, rhythm” despite his large frame.

His recovery from Tommy John surgery will be closely monitored through the 2025 season, as his performance could significantly affect his draft position.

Professional Interest

MLB scouts have been tracking Shores since his high school days when he was one of the biggest and hardest-throwing members of his class. His power fastball remains his calling card, but his development at LSU has added polish to his arsenal.

Several teams with developmental pitching programs known for handling tall, power pitchers will likely show increased interest in Shores. His profile as a power arm with projection remaining makes him particularly valuable in today’s velocity-focused MLB.

Attribute	Details
Height/Weight	6’8″ / 240 lbs
Throws	Right
Age at 2025 Draft	21.2
Key Pitch	Power Fastball
Injury Status	Recovering from Tommy John surgery

The combination of his physical tools and LSU pedigree positions Shores as a potential first three rounds selection if he demonstrates full recovery and command improvements during the 2025 collegiate season.

Chase Shores in the SEC Context

Chase Shores stands as one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in the Southeastern Conference, combining his imposing 6-8 frame with developing skills that have caught the attention of MLB scouts ahead of the 2025 draft.

Performance Against SEC Teams

The towering right-hander from Midland, Texas has faced his share of challenges in SEC competition. Shores, ranked No. 20 on the 2025 Perfect Game Baseball Top 100 Juniors list, has shown flashes of dominance against the conference’s elite programs when healthy.

His performance has been somewhat limited due to medical issues, including an eye injury sustained while facing Mississippi State. This setback resulted in him receiving a medical redshirt for the 2024 season.

When on the mound, Shores’ repertoire plays particularly well against right-handed heavy lineups like those at Oklahoma, who recently joined the SEC. His ability to generate downward plane with his fastball creates difficulties for hitters across the conference.

Chase Shores Profile	Details
Height/Weight	6-8, 252 lbs
Bats/Throws	R/R
Birth Date	May 21, 2004
Draft Projection	Early rounds (2025)

Rivalries and Key Matchups

The most compelling matchups for Shores have come against teams with elite offensive talent. When LSU faces Vanderbilt or Tennessee, Shores typically draws significant attention from scouts who flock to see how his stuff plays against future professional hitters.

His rivalry with fellow SEC standout Kade Anderson has become one to watch, with both pitchers projected as potential first-rounders in the 2025 MLB Draft. When healthy, Shores has matched up favorably against power arms like Jared Jones.

Anthony Eyanson of Arkansas has emerged as another interesting comparative point for Shores, with both players showcasing plus secondary pitches that play up in conference games. Their head-to-head matchups have become appointment viewing for draft analysts.

MLB teams are particularly intrigued by Shores’ combination of size and stuff, with several organizations having him on their radar for the 2025 MLB Draft.

Player Comparisons and Contemporaries

When examining Chase Shores in the college baseball landscape, several parallels emerge with other top-tier pitching prospects. His imposing 6-foot-8 frame and power arsenal create distinctive comparisons but also highlight what makes him unique.

Comparative Analysis to Peers

Chase Shores stands out even among LSU’s talent-loaded pitching staff. At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, he’s physically reminiscent of MLB stars like Tyler Glasnow and Logan Webb—tall, power pitchers who leverage their height for devastating downward plane.

Unlike some of his contemporaries, Shores pairs his size with remarkable athleticism. He shows fluidity and rhythm uncommon for pitchers of his stature. This combination has positioned him as the No. 24 prospect in D1 Baseball’s Top 150 college prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft.

His draft stock compares favorably to Wake Forest’s Chase Burns, though Burns possesses a more refined breaking ball arsenal at this stage.

Contrasts to Other RHPs

Shores diverges from LSU teammate LHP Liam Doyle in approach and mechanics. Doyle relies on deception and movement as a southpaw. In contrast, Shores overpowers hitters with velocity and angle.

Pitcher	Height	Weight	Fastball	Secondary Pitch	Draft Projection
Chase Shores	6’8″	240 lbs	94-97 mph	Power Slider	Early Round (2025)
Liam Doyle	6’2″	205 lbs	90-93 mph	Plus Changeup	Mid-Round (2025)

Many collegiate power right-handers struggle with command. However, Shores maintains remarkable control for his size. This separates him from more erratic flame-throwers in the college ranks.

His development trajectory differs from outfielders in the draft class who often reach their ceiling earlier. Shores still has significant projectability, suggesting his best baseball remains ahead. This makes him a tantalizing prospect for MLB scouts.