The Louisiana State University (LSU) baseball team is set to make waves in the upcoming 2025 season, with five of its players featured in the prestigious Perfect Game Baseball Top 100 Juniors list. This notable recognition highlights the talent and potential of LSU's roster, including Chase Shores, Daniel Dickinson, Conner Ware, Jacob Mayers, and Anthony Eyanson. Each player brings unique strengths to the team, from impressive pitching performances to stellar batting averages. The inclusion of these athletes underscores LSU's commitment to excellence and positions them as a formidable force in collegiate baseball.
Chase Shores, ranked at number 20 on the list, returns to LSU after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Hailing from Midland, Texas, Shores had an impactful start in the 2023 National Championship season before being sidelined due to an elbow injury. Despite the setback, he managed to post an impressive 0.96 ERA in his seven appearances, showcasing his potential as a key pitcher for the Tigers. His recovery and return are anticipated to significantly bolster LSU's pitching lineup.
Daniel Dickinson, ranked 34th, transferred to LSU from Utah Valley last summer. Over his two seasons at UVU, Dickinson demonstrated exceptional batting skills, boasting a career average of .369 with 27 home runs and 95 RBIs. In 2024, he was selected as a First-Team All-WAC player, contributing substantially with a .363 batting average, 18 home runs, and 53 RBIs. His addition to LSU adds depth to both the infield and the batting order.
Conner Ware, ranked 60th, joined LSU from Pearl River Community College. Last season, Ware showed promise with a 1.80 ERA and 21 strikeouts in seven appearances. His freshman year also saw him achieve a 3-0 record with a 1.59 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Ware's ability to maintain low ERAs and rack up strikeouts makes him a valuable asset to LSU's pitching rotation.
Jacob Mayers, ranked 81st, transferred from Nicholls and made an immediate impact by leading the Southland Conference in strikeouts and opponent batting average. He finished the 2024 season with a 5-1 record, a 4.58 ERA, and an impressive 106 strikeouts in 70.2 innings. Mayers' prowess on the mound earned him a Second-Team ABCA All-South Region selection, solidifying his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the region.
Anthony Eyanson, ranked 87th, transferred from UC San Diego and was recognized as an All-Big West Second-Team player in 2024. With a 6-2 record and a 3.07 ERA, Eyanson accumulated 85 strikeouts over 82 innings. His performance earned him multiple Big West Pitcher of the Week honors and a spot on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Eyanson's presence strengthens LSU's pitching staff, providing depth and reliability.
The inclusion of these five standout players in the Perfect Game Baseball Top 100 Juniors list reflects LSU's growing prominence in collegiate baseball. Their combined talents and achievements position LSU as a strong contender for the 2025 season, promising exciting performances and continued success on the field. Fans and observers alike can look forward to witnessing the impact these athletes will have on the team's future endeavors.