Report: Vanderbilt Transfer Carter Young Inks Deal With Baltimore Orioles

Young was introduced last week as a member of LSU's transfer portal class, opts to go pro

Despite LSU head coach Jay Johnson officially introducing Vanderbilt transfer Carter Young as a member of the Tigers’ 2022 transfer portal class, the shortstop has chosen to ink a deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

Young was selected in the 17th round of the 2022 MLB Draft with today being the deadline to sign with the organization.

The news of Young going in a different direction is a significant loss for this program after he was expected to provide immediate help with the LSU infield. 

Per sources the #Orioles have signed 17th round pick SS, Carter Young for $1.325 million. Young hit 23 home runs with an .807 OPS over 135 games with Vanderbilt. He transferred to LSU following the season.

— Geoff Pontes (@GeoffPontesBA) August 1, 2022

Related: LSU Loses Infielder to Portal, Finds New Home

In 2021, he played a key role in leading the Commodores to the College World Series Finals. Young blasted a team-high 16 homers and drove in 52 runs while providing defensive help for his Vanderbilt squad.

LSU also saw transfer Jack Pineda sign a deal with the Kansas City Royals after being selected in this year’s draft as well. With two pieces of the transfer portal class opting to go the pro route, it certainly puts a damper into what Coach Johnson planned for, but it could be much worse.

17th-rder Carter Young signs with @Orioles for $1.325 million ($1.25 million counts vs pool). @VandyBoys SS, hit .207 with 7 HR this spring, switch-hitter with 20-HR potential, good instincts & solid defense. I did not see this one coming at all. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/whyRhAhIqY

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) August 1, 2022

Related: Jacob Berry Selected in First Round of 2022 MLB Draft

With the depth this roster attains, it’ll be a next man up mentality. Incoming freshman Gavin Guidry has all the tools to become a stud for this program and take over shortstop duties for the Tigers. The Louisiana product could give LSU an instant fill-in and see significant time in the field as a youngster.

Jay Johnson and this program still walk away with an incredible transfer haul with North Carolina State transfer Tommy White; Vanderbilt transfer Christian Little; UCLA transfer Thatcher Hurd; and Air Force transfer Paul Skenes.