A Strategic Overhaul for LSU Baseball
LSU’s baseball program, once sidelined by a missed postseason, is now gearing up for a fresh start in the 2027 campaign. The Tigers have turned to the transfer portal to reshape a roster that fell short of the NCAA tournament last year.
Head Coach Jay Johnson, who has already secured six newcomers through the portal, believes the additions will close the gap that cost the team a spot in the tournament. He has spoken openly about the portal’s role in leveling the playing field and attracting high‑caliber talent.
Among the most anticipated arrivals is Bino Watters, the top‑ranked transfer from Notre Dame, who brings a career batting average above .300 and first‑team All‑Conference honors. Joining him is Jason Wachs, a Tulane alumnus whose own .300+ average and All‑Conference recognition promise to bolster the outfield.
The roster also welcomes back Steven Milam, the star shortstop who abandoned the 2026 MLB Draft to return for his senior season, adding experience and stability to the infield. His presence is expected to anchor both defense and batting order.
Other transfers include Cade Kurland from Florida, a defensive stalwart with 190 career starts; Dawson Park from Texas State, a sophomore who posted a .957 fielding percentage and hit 13 home runs; Landon Hood from Gonzaga, a freshman who posted a 2.48 ERA and earned West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year; and Diego Velasquez from USC, who earned Big Ten All‑Freshman honors and has faced Power Four competition.
With the transfer window set to close on June 30, the Tigers still have time to add further pieces. Johnson remains focused on turning the new roster into a contender for a third national championship in five years, a goal that has driven the program’s recent recruiting strategies.