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As the 2025 LSU baseball season approaches, all eyes are on the changes and developments within the team’s infield under Coach Jay Johnson’s leadership. Following a series of strategic adjustments and a renewed focus on player development, Johnson has set the stage for an exciting season of Tigers baseball. One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming season is the evolution of the infield, which has been reshaped through recruiting, player development, and tactical changes that will influence LSU’s performance on the field.
Coach Jay Johnson’s Vision for the Infield
Jay Johnson, entering his fourth season as head coach of LSU, has already demonstrated a deep understanding of how infield defense and positioning can significantly impact the overall success of a baseball team. His approach is data-driven, combining analytics with traditional coaching wisdom, and he is not afraid to make bold moves that disrupt the status quo.
One of Johnson’s main focuses has been improving the team’s overall fielding efficiency. Infield defense is a vital aspect of LSU’s game, and Johnson understands that a strong, consistent defense behind pitchers can be just as critical as offensive firepower. With the wealth of talent at his disposal and the added advantage of an increased depth chart, the 2025 season promises to bring some interesting shifts in how the infield positions will be occupied.
Key Changes in the Infield
One of the most significant changes to the LSU infield is the introduction of new faces, both in terms of recruiting and positional shifts. Coach Johnson’s recruiting class for 2025 is widely considered one of the strongest in recent years, with multiple high-profile infield recruits adding to the team’s depth. Additionally, several returning players are set to be re-positioned to create more dynamic defensive alignments.
Shortstop Position: The Heart of the Infield
The shortstop position is always a point of focus, and for the Tigers, it’s a critical element in their defensive lineup. In 2024, LSU’s shortstop duties were handled primarily by Jordan Thompson, who showed flashes of brilliance, especially with his strong arm and steady fielding. However, Thompson’s consistency and ability to make game-changing plays were sometimes overshadowed by struggles with the bat. This season, Thompson is expected to face more competition for the starting job, particularly from newcomers like Caden Kurland, a highly-rated freshman who impressed during fall camp with his defensive instincts and ability to make quick decisions in the field. The battle for the shortstop spot could be one of the most closely watched position battles of the season.
Coach Johnson is known for his emphasis on situational awareness, and Kurland’s ability to read opposing hitters and quickly react to hard-hit ground balls could make him an ideal fit for the role. His fluidity and natural athleticism could allow LSU to field a more dynamic infield, capable of turning more double plays and preventing extra-base hits. Meanwhile, Thompson, who is still developing as a hitter, will need to maintain his defensive focus to stay in the lineup.
Second Base: A Position of Depth
Second base is shaping up to be another area of competition. Trey Morgan, who has been a staple of LSU’s infield for several seasons, played first base in 2024, but Coach Johnson is considering moving him back to second base in 2025, a position he played earlier in his college career. Morgan’s versatility and defensive prowess at second base could give LSU more flexibility in the lineup while still providing a reliable presence at the plate. The left-handed hitting Morgan has been known for his ability to make contact and spray the ball around the field, and his bat-to-ball skills are expected to remain a key factor in the Tigers’ offensive strategy.
However, Morgan will face stiff competition at second from players like Dylan Crews, who might see time in the infield after some adjustments. Crews’ athleticism and ability to make plays could push him into the mix as a legitimate contender at second, although he is likely to start as a key piece in the outfield. The depth of options at second base allows Johnson to experiment with different lineups to see what combination works best.
Third Base: A Defensive and Offensive Powerhouse
The third base position is set to be a strength for LSU in 2025, with Paxton Kling, a junior infielder who impressed in his sophomore year, anchoring the hot corner. Kling’s quick reflexes and strong arm give LSU a strong presence at third base, making him a key cog in the infield defense. His offensive production is also expected to improve as he matures, potentially adding more power to the lineup as he adjusts to facing higher-level pitching.
First Base: Stability and Power
First base is a position where LSU has some stability, with Jack Merrifield returning as a dependable and powerful presence at the plate. Merrifield’s strong defensive abilities at first base have been one of the mainstays of LSU’s infield, and his ability to handle tough throws and scoop balls in the dirt is invaluable to the Tigers’ pitching staff. He is also expected to continue to provide consistent power in the middle of LSU’s lineup, hitting for average and driving in runs.
Overall Infield Depth
Depth is one of LSU’s greatest assets heading into 2025. The infield is filled with both established players and fresh talent, which means Coach Johnson will have the flexibility to make adjustments based on matchups and in-game situations. The ability to mix and match combinations of players at different positions could create a more dynamic and unpredictable infield for opposing teams to deal with.
Tactical and Strategic Shifts: Leveraging Analytics
Coach Johnson’s approach to infield defense extends beyond just positioning players. Under his leadership, LSU has increasingly embraced advanced analytics, which play a significant role in positioning the infielders for maximum efficiency. One area where Johnson has worked to make tactical adjustments is with shift strategies. With a more data-driven approach to fielding, LSU’s infield will be more nimble in responding to hitters’ tendencies.
The use of defensive shifts, based on statistical analysis of opposing hitters, has become increasingly common in college baseball. Johnson is likely to continue employing a variety of shifts designed to reduce the number of balls in play that result in hits. For example, when facing pull-heavy hitters, LSU may shift its infield to align more favorably, potentially placing additional pressure on the opposing batter by closing down certain gaps in the defense.
Additionally, LSU’s infield will be more mobile and adaptive than in previous seasons, with players being asked to quickly shift between standard and shifted alignments based on in-game adjustments. These tactical shifts, combined with LSU’s strong individual defenders, could make the Tigers’ infield one of the toughest to break through in the SEC.
Coaching Staff and Development
Another important factor in the development of the LSU infield is the work of the coaching staff, particularly the infield coach, who plays a crucial role in developing players’ technical skills. Under Jay Johnson’s leadership, the infield coaching staff has placed a strong emphasis on fundamentals, with a focus on first-step quickness, reaction time, and the ability to turn double plays. The development of players is as much about preparation as it is about execution, and LSU’s infield coaching staff is working tirelessly to ensure each player is ready to contribute both defensively and offensively.
The 2025 season will see a greater emphasis on infield drills designed to increase range and speed. Coaches have been working with players to improve their lateral movement and increase their fielding percentage. The importance of footwork and proper throwing mechanics will continue to be stressed, with a particular focus on how to handle tough hops and tough plays in high-pressure situations. As players adapt to the demands of an SEC schedule, Coach Johnson’s team-first mentality will encourage players to prioritize defensive consistency.
The 2025 LSU Infield and Beyond
As the 2025 LSU baseball season kicks off, one of the most compelling storylines will be the evolution of the Tigers’ infield. With a combination of returning veterans and talented newcomers, Coach Jay Johnson has the opportunity to build a dynamic and adaptable infield capable of competing at the highest level of college baseball. The influx of fresh talent, the strategic positioning of players, and the use of advanced analytics will be key factors in determining how effective the infield can be as LSU chases another SEC title and a potential College World Series berth.
Fans can expect an exciting season with a revamped and redefined infield that promises to be a defensive force while also contributing significantly to LSU’s overall offensive strategy. The infield’s ability to execute Coach Johnson’s vision will go a long way in determining LSU’s success as they look to build upon their rich baseball legacy in 2025 and beyond.
