LSU Baseball: Transfer Portal Additions, New Target Emerges

Jay Johnson and Co. are fresh off of a National Championship victory, and despite being in Omaha for the last two weeks, it didn't stop this program from working in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

LSU reeled in a trio of commitments while competing in the College World Series with the Tigers making sure to add some pitching for next season.

But the work continues moving forward. As players beginning entering their names into the portal, a new name has emerged as a major target for this program.

Here's a look into the three commitments and a priority target who's officially entered the Transfer Portal:

Justin Loer (Xavier) - Pitcher

Xavier’s Justin Loer committed to the Tigers on June 18 and will take his talents to Baton Rouge this fall. The left-handed pitcher is coming off of a big-time season for the Musketeers, striking out 57 batters in just 63 innings pitched.

Loer boasted a 1.89 ERA during the 2023 season for Xavier. A player who can come in and make an instant impact for the Tigers, Johnson and his staff secure a much-needed lefty for next season.

With the departure of Paul Skenes and LSU battling the injury bug this season, Johnson reiterated that the transfer portal will be their best friend this offseason and it’s already showing.

The Tigers will certainly be looking to secure a handful of pitchers via the portal, but they’ve also remained active in other areas.

Michael Braswell (South Carolina) - Infielder

Just days after entering the portal, Braswell revealed his transfer destination, taking his talents to Baton Rouge and joining the LSU program.

A high-profile transfer, Braswell started 54 games at shortstop as a freshman in 2022 for the Gamecocks while hitting .289 in his first season. Along with an infield role, Braswell saw a few innings on the mound in relief towards the end of his freshman campaign.

In his career with South Carolina, Braswell hit .255/.372/.353 in 153 at-bats. A guy who isn’t known for his power, his development will be crucial once arriving in Baton Rouge. With the Tigers’ player development staff, it could be a match made in heaven for Braswell as he continues reaching his full potential.

Kade Woods (Alabama) - Pitcher

LSU added a commitment from Alabama pitcher and former Ouachita Christian star Kade Woods last Friday, he announced on Twitter. The Louisiana native returns home for the 2024 season.

Woods was 4-1 with one save and a 5.52 ERA in 17 relief appearances in 2023, including two appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

In 29 1/3 innings on the bump, Woods allowed 23 hits, walked 15 and struck out 38 batters during his time with the Crimson Tide.

New Target Emerges: RHP Chase Burns

Tennessee right-handed pitcher Chase Burns officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal this week after helping lead the Volunteers to the College World Series.

In a move that Burns had been planning ever since the middle of the season, his name is officially in the portal as he looks to find a new home.

Burns was DIBaseball.com's National Freshman of the Year in 2022 and was a first-team Preseason All-America selection in 2023.

The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder has a fastball that has reached the 100mph mark, and with the Tigers ultimately looking to replace Paul Skenes for the 2024 season, it's a given Jay Johnson will put his foot on the gas for Burns.

Along with the Tigers making a run at the No. 1 player in the portal, another potential suitor comes in TCU. Look for Johnson and his staff to turn up the heat for the top player available.