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LSU baseball missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011 in 2026. One year after winning the College World Series, their second in three years, Jay Johnson and the Tigers were sitting at home when the tournament began. LSU isn't used to that feeling.
But LSU has the pieces to contend in 2027. LSU hit the transfer portal, already securing commitments from six prized transfers, including Bino Watters and Landon Hood. The Tigers also return a strong core of promising players from the 2026 squad, including the entire starting rotation and a handful of freshmen.
LSU needs the transfers to perform, but Johnson's staff will count on in-house players taking a step, too. LSU didn't lose many hitters in the transfer portal, meaning a lot of talented players will be back in the spring.
Here are three LSU baseball players primed for a breakout season in 2027.
Patrick was a freshman in 2026. Perfect Game ranked Patrick as a top-100 freshman entering the season, and he was one of the top recruits in Louisiana last cycle. Jay Johnson has raved about Patrick's athleticism. He's 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, and has a rare blend of size and speed.
Patrick made 12 starts in 2026, most of which came near the end of the season when LSU's outfield depth was tested. In 41 ABs, Patrick hit .220 with a .577 OPS. He struck out 15 times and only tallied one extra-base hit. Those numbers aren't impressive.
But Patrick was a young player in a tough situation. He was thrust into an inconsistent lineup and had to face top-tier SEC pitching without much runway or experience. But Patrick has the talent to play in the SEC. Johnson's willingness to play Patrick, paired with Patrick's decision to stick around, is a strong signal for 2027. Patrick won't have to be at the top of the order, alleviating some of the pressure. Look for the LSU outfielder to take a major step next spring.
Another freshman, Paz was quick to earn playing time. He pitched in LSU's opening series vs. Milwaukee and started a midweek game in February. Paz was shaky as a freshman, posting a 9.20 ERA and walking 27 batters. But the stuff is there.
Paz was ranked as a top-35 freshman in the sport entering the year and features a versatile pitch mix with strong breaking balls. Command was a problem for the young right-hander, but if Paz can figure out how to locate in 2027, he's not far off from being a really good pitcher in the SEC.
With LSU returning its entire opening day rotation from 2026, the path to a starting role for Paz in 2027 isn't clear, but he'll compete to be one of Jay Johnson's high-leverage arms.
I debated whether to even put Braun on this list. I view his 2026 campaign as a breakout, but I included him because I think his 2027 will be that much better. Braun's plate discipline was elite -- not just for a true freshman, but for anyone in the SEC. He walked 35 times, hit over .300, and posted a .904 OPS. Late in the year, Braun settled into the leadoff role.
Braun isn't your typical leadoff hitter, but with the rate he reached base, it made sense to put him top of the order.
Braun can play first base or outfield, but projects to be LSU's starting first baseman in 2027. He was in an everyday role by the end of 2026 and shouldn't have any issue continuing that job in 2027. Braun projects to be one of the best hitters in the SEC.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Three LSU baseball players primed for a big 2027
Continue reading...
But LSU has the pieces to contend in 2027. LSU hit the transfer portal, already securing commitments from six prized transfers, including Bino Watters and Landon Hood. The Tigers also return a strong core of promising players from the 2026 squad, including the entire starting rotation and a handful of freshmen.
LSU needs the transfers to perform, but Johnson's staff will count on in-house players taking a step, too. LSU didn't lose many hitters in the transfer portal, meaning a lot of talented players will be back in the spring.
Here are three LSU baseball players primed for a breakout season in 2027.
William Patrick, Outfield
Patrick was a freshman in 2026. Perfect Game ranked Patrick as a top-100 freshman entering the season, and he was one of the top recruits in Louisiana last cycle. Jay Johnson has raved about Patrick's athleticism. He's 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, and has a rare blend of size and speed.
Patrick made 12 starts in 2026, most of which came near the end of the season when LSU's outfield depth was tested. In 41 ABs, Patrick hit .220 with a .577 OPS. He struck out 15 times and only tallied one extra-base hit. Those numbers aren't impressive.
But Patrick was a young player in a tough situation. He was thrust into an inconsistent lineup and had to face top-tier SEC pitching without much runway or experience. But Patrick has the talent to play in the SEC. Johnson's willingness to play Patrick, paired with Patrick's decision to stick around, is a strong signal for 2027. Patrick won't have to be at the top of the order, alleviating some of the pressure. Look for the LSU outfielder to take a major step next spring.
Marcos Paz, Pitcher
Another freshman, Paz was quick to earn playing time. He pitched in LSU's opening series vs. Milwaukee and started a midweek game in February. Paz was shaky as a freshman, posting a 9.20 ERA and walking 27 batters. But the stuff is there.
Paz was ranked as a top-35 freshman in the sport entering the year and features a versatile pitch mix with strong breaking balls. Command was a problem for the young right-hander, but if Paz can figure out how to locate in 2027, he's not far off from being a really good pitcher in the SEC.
With LSU returning its entire opening day rotation from 2026, the path to a starting role for Paz in 2027 isn't clear, but he'll compete to be one of Jay Johnson's high-leverage arms.
Mason Braun, First Base
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I debated whether to even put Braun on this list. I view his 2026 campaign as a breakout, but I included him because I think his 2027 will be that much better. Braun's plate discipline was elite -- not just for a true freshman, but for anyone in the SEC. He walked 35 times, hit over .300, and posted a .904 OPS. Late in the year, Braun settled into the leadoff role.
Braun isn't your typical leadoff hitter, but with the rate he reached base, it made sense to put him top of the order.
Braun can play first base or outfield, but projects to be LSU's starting first baseman in 2027. He was in an everyday role by the end of 2026 and shouldn't have any issue continuing that job in 2027. Braun projects to be one of the best hitters in the SEC.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Three LSU baseball players primed for a big 2027
Continue reading...
