A Calculated Boost for the Tigers
LSU's baseball program has turned to the transfer portal to shore up its rotation, announcing the addition of right‑handed pitcher Diego Velazquez from USC. The move marks the sixth portal acquisition of the offseason and comes as the Tigers look to rebound after missing the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
A freshman from Reseda, California, Velazquez stands 6‑foot‑1 and weighs 203 pounds. In his debut season at USC he earned Big Ten All‑Freshman honors with a 5‑1 record and a 4.26 ERA over 31 ⅔ innings, striking out 34 batters while issuing just nine walks.
His fastball has reached 97 mph and his slider is regarded as sharp, giving the staff a high‑velocity option that can compete at the SEC level. The program believes his skill set aligns with its pitching strategy.
Velazquez is not the only newcomer; he joins Gonzaga transfer Landon Hood and follows a series of notable signings that have already added Bino Watters and Cade Kurland to the roster. The influx reflects an aggressive approach by the coaching staff.
The staff views his combination of size, velocity and command as a foundation for rebuilding the rotation.