A fresh infusion of talent
The Tigers have turned to the transfer portal to plug gaps in their pitching staff, and the most recent addition is South Florida right‑hander Kaden Smith. After a solid stint at TCU, Smith posted a 4.24 earned run average and fanned 52 batters over the previous season, translating to roughly 10 strikeouts per nine innings.
Smith’s skill set aligns with LSU’s need for a reliable midweek starter or a flexible reliever. Head coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie have indicated that his high strikeout rate could make him a key piece in a rotation that is looking to maintain depth throughout a demanding schedule.
The move is part of a broader strategy that has seen LSU welcome three new pitchers from the portal. Alongside Smith, the roster now includes Landon Hood, a Gonzaga alum who brings a proven track record, and Diego Velazquez, a USC transfer expected to contribute both as a starter and a reliever.
These acquisitions reflect a trend across college baseball where programs increasingly rely on the portal to replenish talent. By adding experienced arms, LSU hopes to stay competitive in the SEC and make a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.