Diego Velazquez, a right‑handed pitcher who earned Big Ten All‑Freshman honors in 2026, has officially joined the LSU Tigers baseball program through the transfer portal, adding depth to the 2027 roster.
During his freshman campaign, Velazquez logged 31.2 innings, posting a 4.26 earned run average and striking out 34 batters, while maintaining a .206 opponent batting average. He also contributed at shortstop, batting .167 with a .348 on‑base percentage.
Although his control showed flashes of promise, the pitcher walked nine batters and threw a wild pitch, and he struggled against elite NCAA tournament teams such as UCLA and Oregon, posting a 7.36 ERA over 14.2 innings against Big Ten competition.
Coach Jay Johnson praised the transfer’s poise on the mound, noting that Velazquez’s ability to command the strike zone could fill a critical void in LSU’s pitching rotation as the program looks to rebuild its staff.
A Strategic Addition for the Tigers
Velazquez’s stint at USC and brief postseason appearance against Texas State, where he threw 3.1 innings, further illustrate his readiness for higher‑level competition. His track record suggests that, with proper development, he could become a reliable asset for the Tigers.
The addition comes at a time when LSU is seeking to strengthen its defensive lineup, and the coaching staff believes the newcomer’s experience and composure will translate into more consistent performances on the mound. Fans and analysts alike are watching how the transfer will mesh with the existing squad, especially as LSU prepares for the upcoming season.