- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,192,426
- Reaction score
- 59
LSU baseball has signed one of the top transfer portal classes in the country so far. LSU missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011 this year. LSU isn't used to watching the postseason from home, but it gave Jay Johnson and the LSU coaching staff time to work the portal.
Johnson knew the roster needed a talent influx. LSU was inconsistent in 2026. The pitching staff ranked near the bottom of the SEC in nearly every key category and the offense failed to string quality at-bats together.
Portal season isn't over, but LSU's class is close to complete. The Tigers have signed six players -- four hitters and two pitchers. All six additions are expected to make immediate impacts in 2027. LSU addressed needs in the outfield, infield, and bullpen.
Here's a look at LSU's complete transfer portal class so far.
Hood was the first portal player to commit to LSU this cycle. Hood was a standout freshman in 2026, posting a 2.48 ERA over 54.1 innings. He struck out 78 while only walking 21. Hood made 16 appearances, four of which were starts. Hood figures to be a bullpen piece for LSU in 2027, but he has the upside of a starter. Hood also has two seasons before draft eligibility, so he should be with LSU in 2028, too.
The second pitcher of the class and most recent roster addition is Diego Velazquez, who comes to LSU after spending one year at USC. Like Hood, Velazquez showed promise as a true freshman. He only pitched 29.2 innings, but he struck out 34 and only walked nine. Velazquez projects to be a high-leverage arm for LSU next year.
Park was the first position player to commit to LSU this cycle. He played shortstop at Texas State, but with Steven Milam returning to LSU, Park's likely position in Baton Rouge is third base. That will give LSU two shortstop-quality defenders on the left side of the infield. At the plate, Park is a power threat after smashing 13 home runs and 10 doubles in 2026. He hits for average, too, posting a .301 batting average as a sophomore.
Kurland is the most experienced of LSU's transfer portal additions. He was a multi-year starter at Florida, which included a trip to the College World Series Finals with the Gators in 2023. He's been around and he knows what it takes to win the SEC. That's valuable for an LSU team that lacked composure at times in 2026. Per 64Analytics, Kurland is the No. 61-ranked player in the portal.
Watters is the headliner of LSU's transfer class, ranking No. 5 overall in 64Analytics' portal rankings. Watters comes to LSU after hitting .362 with Notre Dame in 2026. He consistently delivered the type of quality at-bat that LSU needed more of. Watters only struck out 37 times, while drawing 27 walks. He racked up 31 extra-base hits and drove in 51 runs. Watters is expected to take over LSU's center field role, with Derek Curiel likely turning pro.
Wachs won't travel far to get to LSU after transferring from Tulane. In two years with the Green Wave, Wachs played in 107 games and totaled 122 hits and 94 runs. He brings needed experience to LSU's outfield. With Watters in center, Wachs will occupy one of the corner outfield spots.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Every transfer portal player LSU baseball has signed so far
Continue reading...
Johnson knew the roster needed a talent influx. LSU was inconsistent in 2026. The pitching staff ranked near the bottom of the SEC in nearly every key category and the offense failed to string quality at-bats together.
Portal season isn't over, but LSU's class is close to complete. The Tigers have signed six players -- four hitters and two pitchers. All six additions are expected to make immediate impacts in 2027. LSU addressed needs in the outfield, infield, and bullpen.
Here's a look at LSU's complete transfer portal class so far.
Landon Hood, Pitcher, Gonzaga
Hood was the first portal player to commit to LSU this cycle. Hood was a standout freshman in 2026, posting a 2.48 ERA over 54.1 innings. He struck out 78 while only walking 21. Hood made 16 appearances, four of which were starts. Hood figures to be a bullpen piece for LSU in 2027, but he has the upside of a starter. Hood also has two seasons before draft eligibility, so he should be with LSU in 2028, too.
Diego Velazquez, Pitcher, USC
The second pitcher of the class and most recent roster addition is Diego Velazquez, who comes to LSU after spending one year at USC. Like Hood, Velazquez showed promise as a true freshman. He only pitched 29.2 innings, but he struck out 34 and only walked nine. Velazquez projects to be a high-leverage arm for LSU next year.
Dawson Park, Infield, Texas State
Park was the first position player to commit to LSU this cycle. He played shortstop at Texas State, but with Steven Milam returning to LSU, Park's likely position in Baton Rouge is third base. That will give LSU two shortstop-quality defenders on the left side of the infield. At the plate, Park is a power threat after smashing 13 home runs and 10 doubles in 2026. He hits for average, too, posting a .301 batting average as a sophomore.
Cade Kurland, Infield, Florida
Kurland is the most experienced of LSU's transfer portal additions. He was a multi-year starter at Florida, which included a trip to the College World Series Finals with the Gators in 2023. He's been around and he knows what it takes to win the SEC. That's valuable for an LSU team that lacked composure at times in 2026. Per 64Analytics, Kurland is the No. 61-ranked player in the portal.
Bino Watters, Outfield, Notre Dame
Watters is the headliner of LSU's transfer class, ranking No. 5 overall in 64Analytics' portal rankings. Watters comes to LSU after hitting .362 with Notre Dame in 2026. He consistently delivered the type of quality at-bat that LSU needed more of. Watters only struck out 37 times, while drawing 27 walks. He racked up 31 extra-base hits and drove in 51 runs. Watters is expected to take over LSU's center field role, with Derek Curiel likely turning pro.
Jason Wachs, Outfield, Tulane
Wachs won't travel far to get to LSU after transferring from Tulane. In two years with the Green Wave, Wachs played in 107 games and totaled 122 hits and 94 runs. He brings needed experience to LSU's outfield. With Watters in center, Wachs will occupy one of the corner outfield spots.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Every transfer portal player LSU baseball has signed so far
Continue reading...
