The LSU Tigers enter the college baseball season with a target on their backs, fresh off a NCAA championship victory. While the program has proven capable of sustained success under coach Jay Johnson – securing two College World Series titles in three seasons – navigating the roster turnover inherent in college baseball will be key. The team faces the challenge of replacing a significant portion of its starting infield, a group lauded for its defensive prowess, but retains key pieces poised to lead another championship run.
One of those key pieces is shortstop Steven Milam. Entering his third and likely final year with the program, Milam has already established himself as a fan favorite and a national champion. His return provides a crucial anchor for the infield, and his performance down the stretch in was particularly impressive. Milam was named to the All-College World Series Tournament team after hitting .350 (7-for-20) in Omaha, and led the Tigers in RBIs (13) with a .385 batting average over 11 NCAA Tournament games.
While not necessarily projected as a top MLB draft pick like UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky or Alabama’s Justin LeBron, Milam’s overall game and clutch performance make him a valuable asset. His defensive skills are particularly noteworthy, and his bat has proven capable of delivering in high-pressure situations.
Looking ahead to the future of the infield, the Tigers have two promising true freshmen vying for playing time: Jack Ruckert and Ethan Clauss. Both players were highly regarded prospects coming out of high school. Perfect Game ranked Clauss as the No. 37 high school shortstop and the No. 105 overall high school prospect. He was also viewed as the No. 65 overall college freshman entering the season.
Ruckert and Clauss are remarkably similar in stature, with only an inch separating their heights and a five-pound weight difference. Both are left-handed hitters. The coaching staff anticipates both players will see opportunities for playing time early in the season, potentially competing for starting roles in . It’s possible the duo could form the left side of LSU’s infield for years to come.
Beyond the infield, the pitching staff will be a focal point for the Tigers’ success. Casan Evans is expected to anchor the rotation as the Friday night starter. Cooper Williams, a left-handed pitcher, gained valuable experience in and is projected to factor prominently into the rotation. William Schmidt, a Baton Rouge native, is also a potential starter if he can develop at a similar rate to Kade Anderson.
Zac Cowan, with one year of eligibility remaining after transferring from Wofford, will also contend for a starting role. The pitching staff’s performance will be critical, particularly as the team navigates a challenging schedule and aims for another deep postseason run.
The roster also includes several other players poised to contribute. Cade Arrambide, Chris Stanfield, Steven Milam, Tanner Reaves, Derek Curiel, Jake Brown, Gavin Guidry, William Schmidt, Brayden Simpson, John Pearson, Edward Yamin IV, Daniel Harden, Ethan Clauss, Mavrick Rizy, Mason Braun, Casan Evans, Cooper Moore, William Patrick, Seth Dardar, and Omar Serna Jr. Are all listed on the official LSU baseball roster as of .
While the loss of the starting infield presents a challenge, the return of key players like Steven Milam, coupled with the emergence of promising freshmen and a strong pitching staff, positions LSU as a strong contender for the national championship once again. Coach Jay Johnson’s ability to cultivate talent and build a winning culture suggests the Tigers are well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and continue their recent run of success.
