The LSU baseball team recently concluded its six-week fall practice session, and coach Jay Johnson is optimistic about the team's progress. With a significant number of new players and a focus on developing an identity, the Tigers believe they are well-prepared as the 2025 season approaches.

Key Players and Transfers

The LSU roster features a diverse group of players. Among the newcomers are 12 NCAA Division I transfers, 4 JUCO transfers, and 10 high school signees. Nine LSU players were ranked among Baseball America magazine's Top 100 College Transfers, including junior infielder Daniel Dickinson at No. 2, junior right-handed pitcher Anthony Eyanson at No. 4, sophomore right-handed pitcher Deven Sheerin at No. 8, junior right-handed pitcher Jacob Mayers at No. 17, junior right-handed pitcher Chandler Dorsey at No. 22, junior right-hander pitcher Zac Cowan at No. 23, senior utility player Luis Hernandez at No. 32, senior outfielder/left-hander pitcher Dalton Beck at No. 34, and junior outfielder Chris Stanfield at No. 79.In addition, the Top 500 Prospects for the 2024 MLB Draft included LSU freshman right-handed pitcher William Schmidt at No. 22, freshman right-handed pitcher Casan Evans at No. 100, freshman catcher Cade Arrambide at No. 125, freshman infielder Mikey Ryan at No. 139, junior outfielder Chris Stanfield at No. 154, freshman left-handed pitcher Cooper Williams at No. 257, freshman right-handed pitcher Mavrick Rizy at No. 263, freshman first baseman Ryan Costello at No. 346, freshman outfielder John Pearson at No. 356, freshman infielder David Hogg II at No. 358, and junior left-handed pitcher Conner Ware at No. 482.Returning players also play a crucial role. Seven position players with starting experience are back, such as senior shortstop Michael Braswell III, senior outfielder Josh Pearson, junior first baseman Jared Jones, junior outfielder Ethan Frey, sophomore second baseman Steven Milam, sophomore outfielder Ashton Larson, and sophomore outfielder/left-handed pitcher Jake Brown.The pitching staff is bolstered by six veteran hurlers who have recorded innings at LSU, including junior right-hander Gavin Guidry, junior right-hander Kade Woods, sophomore right-hander Chase Shores, sophomore right-hander Jaden Noot, sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson, and sophomore left-hander DJ Primeaux.

Fall Practice Highlights

Coach Johnson was particularly impressed with the pitchers' performances in scrimmages during the fall. "I'm very excited about their strike-throwing ability," he said. "They did a great job of getting ahead in counts with first-pitch strikes, and each has their own unique skills on the mound."The team's focus now turns to final exams in December, followed by a holiday break. They are scheduled to return to campus on January 13 to begin preseason preparations."We're putting the players in a position to develop and improve," Johnson explained. "They understand what this team needs to do to be successful. The intentional approach we've taken has led to a productive fall, and it will give us a good starting point in January."He added, "I like the sense of where we are, who we have, what we are, and what we need to do to achieve success this season."