As the LSU Tigers prepare for the 2025 baseball season, the team has undergone significant changes, bolstering both its roster and coaching staff. The infusion of talented newcomers, combined with the return of key veterans, positions LSU as a formidable contender in collegiate baseball. Below is a projected starting lineup and pitching rotation for the season opener.
Projected Starting Lineup
- Catcher: Cade Arrambide (Freshman)
- Profile: Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 204 pounds, Arrambide is a highly regarded freshman recruit. His selection as a top 120 draft prospect by MLB.com underscores his potential behind the plate.
- First Base: Jared Jones (Junior)
- Profile: At 6’4″ and 246 pounds, Jones is a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offense. His decision to return for the 2025 season after not being drafted highlights his commitment to LSU.
- Second Base: Steven Milam (Sophomore)
- Profile: Milam, standing 5’8″ and weighing 177 pounds, had an impressive freshman campaign. His performance with Team USA during the summer further solidified his role as a key contributor in the infield.
- Shortstop: Michael Braswell III (Senior)
- Profile: Braswell, at 6’2″ and 201 pounds, returns for his senior year after transferring from the University of South Carolina. His .311 batting average and 36 RBIs last season were instrumental to the Tigers’ success.
- Third Base: Daniel Dickinson (Junior)
- Profile: Standing 6’0″ and weighing 200 pounds, Dickinson brings a strong bat to the hot corner. His 18 home runs last season and selection to Team USA highlight his offensive prowess.
- Left Field: Josh Pearson (Senior)
- Profile: At 5’10” and 190 pounds, Pearson is a seasoned outfielder known for his consistency and leadership. His experience provides stability to the Tigers’ lineup.
- Center Field: Derek Curiel (Freshman)
- Profile: Curiel, standing 6’2″ and weighing 182 pounds, is a dynamic freshman with exceptional speed and on-base skills. His 19 stolen bases in high school and .314 batting average make him a valuable addition to the Tigers’ offense.
- Right Field: Ethan Frey (Junior)
- Profile: At 6’6″ and 225 pounds, Frey offers a powerful bat and versatility in the outfield. His ability to perform against left-handed pitching adds depth to the Tigers’ lineup.
- Designated Hitter: Dalton Beck (Senior)
- Profile: Beck, standing 6’2″ and weighing 200 pounds, is a versatile player capable of filling multiple roles. His impressive statistics at Incarnate Word, including a .377 batting average and 18 home runs, make him a formidable presence in the lineup.
Projected Pitching Rotation
- Friday Starter: Chase Shores (Redshirt Sophomore, RHP)
- Profile: At 6’8″ and 252 pounds, Shores is a towering presence on the mound. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2023, he returns with a strong desire to contribute to the Tigers’ pitching staff.
- Saturday Starter: Gavin Guidry (Junior, RHP)
- Profile: Guidry, standing 6’2″ and weighing 182 pounds, is a seasoned pitcher with a fastball that consistently reaches the mid-90s. His nine career saves and experience in high-pressure situations make him a reliable option for the Tigers.
- Sunday Starter: Jaden Noot (Redshirt Sophomore, RHP)
- Profile: At 6’4″ and 228 pounds, Noot is a promising right-hander with a strong arm. Despite being limited due to injury in his first two seasons at LSU, he has the potential to make a significant impact in the 2025 season.
- Midweek Starter: William Schmidt (Freshman, RHP)
- Profile: Schmidt, standing 6’4″ and weighing 188 pounds, was a top high school right-hander in the 2024 draft class. His decision to join LSU despite draft interest underscores his commitment and potential to contribute immediately.
- Relief Ace: Zac Cowan (Junior, RHP)
- Profile: Cowan, at 5’11” and 203 pounds, is a transfer from Wofford College. His performance in the Chapel Hill Regional, where he threw six innings with six strikeouts and no runs allowed, highlights his capability as a reliable reliever
- Setup Man: Anthony Eyanson (Junior, RHP)
- Profile: Eyanson, standing 6’2″ and weighing 208 pounds, is a transfer from UC San Diego.
