LSU's baseball program is gearing up for the 2027 season with a pitching staff that looks both promising and unusually young. The staff's composition reflects a blend of returning experience, high‑profile transfers, and a fresh infusion of talent from the 2026 draft and freshman class.
Core Returners
The core of the rotation returns several pitchers who already have logged meaningful innings. Casan Evans broke into the rotation in 2026 and is being tabbed as the 2027 ace, while William Schmidt posted a 4.22 ERA and 85 strikeouts last year, underscoring his reliability. Cooper Moore, after a season‑ending injury, is focusing on an off‑speed repertoire rather than a pure fastball, aiming to regain his former form.
Freshman Impact
Freshmen are expected to make immediate contributions, headlined by Logan Schmidt, a re‑classified prospect whose electric fastball has drawn comparisons to top MLB Draft candidates, and Lucas Nawrocki, who possesses an elite slider that could see action right away. Both are slated to join a staff that already includes veterans such as Ethan Plog, who led the team with 22 appearances in 2026, and Danny Lachenmayer, who logged 18 appearances with a 7.56 ERA.
Bullpen and Depth
In the bullpen, Landon Hood, a top transfer, will serve as the team's premier reliever despite a skill set that could have translated to a starting role. Reagan Ricken and Kaden Smith are slated to provide midweek starts and additional depth, while left‑hander Cooper Williams, who posted a 7.94 ERA in 2026, remains on the roster, reflecting the staff's belief in his upside.
External Additions
External additions include Diego Velazquez, a transfer from USC who posted a 4.55 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 2026, and Zion Theophilus, a true freshman who finished with a 4.96 ERA in 16.1 innings last year. Both bring a mix of experience and youthful potential to a staff that also benefits from the expertise of coaches such as Jay Johnson.
The broader narrative is amplified by coverage from MLB.com and ESPN, which help contextualize the staffing shifts within the program's ambitions. With a foundation built on proven performers, strategic transfers, and high‑upside freshmen, LSU's 2027 pitching staff is positioned to compete aggressively in the SEC and beyond.