Louisiana State University’s baseball program has taken a decisive step to shore up its pitching rotation by agreeing to a deal with former Gonzaga standout Landon Hood.
A Fresh Arm for the Tigers' Bullpen
Hood arrives after a breakout freshman season in which he posted a 2.48 ERA and earned West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year honors, a performance that quickly made him one of the most sought‑after arms on the market.
The Tigers have been reshaped by the transfer portal, losing two reliable relievers — Mavrick Rizy and Jaden Noot — to other programs, leaving the bullpen thin heading into the upcoming season.
Head coach Jay Johnson, who has guided the team through a period of transition, sees Hood as the missing piece to a staff that finished 15th in the SEC with a 5.72 ERA, a statistic that underscores the need for immediate improvement.
Johnson emphasized that Hood’s skill set as a left‑handed reliever complements the existing mix, offering depth and flexibility that could prove pivotal in tight conference matchups.
Looking Ahead
With the new addition, LSU hopes to climb the SEC rankings and contend for a regional berth, while the coaching staff continues to monitor the portal for further reinforcements that could solidify the roster.