LSU Baseball: Transfer Portal Update, Target Locking in on Decision
The reigning National Champion LSU Tigers have had a busy offseason to this point and it's showing no signs of slowing down.
From the NCAA Transfer Portal additions to recruiting at the high school level, Jay Johnson hasn't slept much over the last few months.
The Tigers have hit the portal with force this offseason, securing a handful of immediate impact players, but one target remains on LSU's board and Johnson has his foot on the gas.
A look into the five commitments and an update on the Tigers top target still on the board:
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.
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 in mid-June, 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.
Gage Jump (UCLA) - Pitcher
Jump missed the 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but will be ready for the 2024 season. A member of the Bruins 2021 recruiting class, Jump was a hot commodity before committing to UCLA.
In seven appearances and three starts during the 2022 season, Jump tallied a 1-1 record with a 3.86 ERA, .172 batting average against and 22 strikeouts across 16.1 innings.
Jump passed on the 2021 MLB Draft despite being rated as MLB.com’s No. 41 overall draft prospect. Perfect Game had Jump rated as the No. 7 overall lefty.
Coming out of high school, Jump was ranked No. 4 overall and No. 1 among southpaws in the state of California.
Mac Bingham (Arizona) - Outfielder
The PAC-12 All-Conference outfielder shined in 2023, batting .360 with 10 home runs on the season. Bingham also had an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.006 on the year for the Wildcats with 51 RBI and 91 hits.
LSU baseball brings in another talented outfielder to fill the void of both Dylan Crews and Tre’ Morgan. Morgan, known for his gifts at first base, shined for the Tigers in left field for most of the 2023 season with Bingham now entering the fold as a potential replacement.
Bingham has the chance to be a monster addition for this program as they reload for the 2024 season. After a career year in 2023 with the Wildcats, we could see his game reach that next level under the coaching of Jay Johnson and his staff.
The Target: Alabama RHP Luke Holman
Holman made his way to Baton Rouge last Wednesday for an official visit with the LSU Tigers. Before making his way to meet with Jay Johnson, the coveted pitcher took two other visits.
He traveled to Tennessee on Monday then soaked in the scenes in Starkville while visiting with Mississippi State on Tuesday.
Now, with three finalists consisting of Tennessee, Mississippi State and LSU, the top pitcher in the portal has locked in on making a decision.
But what does he think of LSU? How was the visit?
Holman caught up with LSU Country to talk about the Tigers:
“It was definitely different. They had their National Championship on the board and all that stuff. I felt comfortable there. It felt really comfortable,” Holman said. “The resources are amazing as well, as they are at all the schools, but it was awesome. Baton Rouge is a great place.”
Holman soaked it all in during his time in Baton Rouge, as he did at all of his stops, but to be prioritized by the Tigers means a lot to the Pennsylvania native.
“It’s cool seeing I’m valued and it’s cool seeing the champions are talking to me,"Holman said. "Jay Johnson is a great guy and it’s something… It’s pretty cool.
“He’s up front. He tells you what he tells you. You can tell he cares a lot about his players. He wants to do the best for the program and do the best for you as well.”
It’s no secret LSU has Holman at the top of their wish list. As prized as they come in the Transfer Portal, all three of his finalists are turning up the heat, and Holman is certainly feeling the love from each of them as he prepares to make a decision in the next day or two.
For more news on Holman's Transfer Portal Process: