A New Pitch for LSU Baseball
Louisiana State University’s baseball program has been reshaped by head coach Jay Johnson, who is pioneering a strategy that treats the university not merely as a stepping stone but as the premier destination for aspiring professionals.
The approach has already paid dividends, as evidenced by shortstop Steven Milam, who removed his name from the MLB draft, and Florida transfer Cade Kurland, who likewise chose to return to Baton Rouge for another season.
The 2026 Draft Landscape
With the draft set to open on July 11 in Philadelphia, LSU’s 2026 recruiting class is positioned second overall according to Perfect Game, featuring standout prospects such as pitcher Logan Schmidt and infielder Jenson Hirschkorn, both slated to attend the MLB Draft Combine.
Depth has been bolstered through the transfer portal, bringing in players like Kurland, Dawson Park and outfielder Bino Watters, while the program aims to rebound from a lackluster 2025 campaign and reclaim its place at the summit of college baseball.