For years, when you hear LSU baseball, you think of the offense — big bats, big names, and bigger home runs. But what if this year, it’s different?
What if pitching carries the Tigers back to glory for the second time in three years? With 21 arms at his disposal, Jay Johnson hopes to have crafted a pitching staff deep enough to overwhelm and disrupt even the best lineups in the country.
LSU baseball has been known for its offensive firepower from household names like Dylan “Crews Missile” Crews, Tommy “Tanks” White and Jared “Bear” Jones.
Instead of being powered by a lineup filled with future MLB hitters, this year’s team will be built on its pitching staff. That’s not to say that LSU can’t or won’t clear the fences plenty of times this year, it just means they won’t have to.
“We’ve had a lot of work to do in building the pitching depth and the overall physicality in our program,” Johnson said.
Johnson spared no expense on the recruitment trail. His 2025 staff features 15 right-handers and six left-handers, giving the Tigers a balance of power arms, finesse pitchers and options to disrupt opposing lineups.
Dalton Beck is one of the most versatile players in the lineup, with experience as a southpaw on the mound, in the outfield and at first. He could be an asset as a relief pitcher. Cooper Williams is a talented lefty who Johnson views as a key matchup pitcher.
Maverick Rizy was one of the top high school arms in the country and is expected to have no trouble with the leap to college ball. William Schmidt is another freshman who Johnson has spoken highly of.
Weekend starting rotation is unclear, though Chase Shores and Kade Anderson are the obvious picks. Johnson has been clear that with so many talented pitchers, starting spots are going to be hard to come by.
One of the biggest advantages of this depth is LSU won’t have to drain its bullpen early in the year. After injuries and starter uncertainty left the staff thin in 2024, this became a serious limitation.
Christian Little came down with a back injury in the SEC title game against Tennessee, which LSU lost 4-3. The injury ruled him out of the Chapel Hill Regional, where LSU lost to UNC 4-3 in the 10th inning.
“We have more options now than last year,” Johnson said. “We have guys who can pitch in different situations, which will greatly help us.”
These additions add onto a strong foundation of arms on the roster.
The 6-foot-8 Shores will return to competitive play for the first time since 2023, after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Gavin Guidry played a deciding role in the 2023 championship run. Johnson hopes to lean on him, not just as captain, but as a reliable weapon in the bullpen.
Kade Anderson is one of five left-handed pitchers on the staff. He showed very promising flashes last season as a freshman and a frequent midweek starter. Anderson spent the off season developing his slider, which he plans to combine with his curveball.
Nate Yeskie’s return as pitching coach is the first time Johnson has been able to maintain continuity at that position while in Baton Rouge.
The payoff of these additions and their development will be tested next week when LSU starts its season.
