After missing out of the postseason for the first time since 2011, LSU baseball is looking to revamp its roster for the 2027 season. So far, Head Coach Jay Johnson has done that through the transfer portal.
Since the portal opened on June 1, Johnson and his coaching staff have secured six new players, including the No. 1 overall player out of the transfer portal in Bino Watters from Notre Dame.
Other signees include Tulane outfielder Jason Wachs, Florida infielder Cade Kurland, Texas State infielder Dawson Park, Gonzaga right-handed pitcher Landon Hood and USC right-handed pitcher Diego Velasquez.
The Tigers will also have star shortstop Steven Milam returning for his senior season after withdrawing his name from the 2026 MLB Draft.
“I think I’ve maybe learned by not being at Omaha while this portal thing is going on is how much of a disadvantage we’ve been really for two of the last three years,” Johnson said on a recent Mik’d up Podcast. “Playing deep in the three years and a row, like it’s different to have an opportunity to focus just on this.”
“I’m very excited that we’re making the most of it.”
With outfielders Derek Curiel and Jake Brown likely leaving to go play pro baseball, the Tigers will now have two strong-experienced players in the outfield in Watter and Wachs. The two averaged over .300 in batting average and earned a spot on their All-Conference First Teams.
As Milam returns in the infield for LSU, he will be accompanied by veteran players like Kurland and Park. Kurland, who has started 190 games for the Gators over the past three years, will give Johnson and his coaching staff that SEC experience and defensive production they need.
Meanwhile, Park will likely hop over to play third base with Milam’s return. The Texas State sophomore had an impressive year for the Bobcats, averaging a .957 fielding percentage while hitting 13 home runs.
As for the pitchers, Hood and Velasquez could be key additions for the LSU bullpen. With the Tigers lacking depth and consistency hitting the strike zone this past season, Johnson knew signing guys who can add those missing pieces was a need for his team.
In the 2026 season, Hood posted a 2.48 ERA while earning Freshman of the Year in the West Coast Conference, providing a reliable arm for the Tigers next season. Velasquez will also be a contributing component for this pitching staff, having experience against Power Four teams and earning Big 10 All-Freshman honors.
Johnson’s recruiting trail doesn’t plan on stopping yet. With the portal closing on June 30, there is still time for the Tigers to sign more players and complete their full 2027 roster. But for now, Johnson is hoping to provide the program with another shot at winning a third national championship in five years.