Projecting LSU baseball's starting lineup and rotation in 2024, post national championship
BATON ROUGE — LSU baseball kicked off preparations for its national championship defense on Monday, as coach Jay Johnson spoke with the media on Monday to speak about the Tigers' 2024 team.
LSU loses a lot from its title-winning squad from a year ago, including Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Ty Floyd and Tre Morgan. But Johnson made sure to replenish the Tigers' roster with six players from the transfer portal and a loaded freshman class.
Here's where LSU baseball's depth chart stands heading into fall practices.
Catcher
Starting: Brady Neal, So.
In contention: Hayden Travinksi, R-Sr.; Alex Milazzo, R-Sr.; Jared Jones, So.; Ethan Frey, So.
Breakdown: Neal is working his way back from a reaggravated back injury but started for LSU to begin last season. Between Travinski and Milazzo, LSU brings back two veterans who were critical in its championship run.
First base
Starting: Jared Jones, So.
In contention: Ethan Frey, So.; Jake Brown, Fr.; Tommy White, Jr.; Hayden Travinski; R-Sr.
Breakdown: Jones is the no-brainer starter after starting a chunk of last season at first base when Tre Morgan was in the outfield. LSU lacks depth behind Jones, but Frey has the defensive versatility to step in if need be.
Second base
Starting: Michael Braswell, Jr.
In contention: Gavin Guidry, So.; Ben Nippolt Sr.; Steven Milam, Fr.; Austen Roellig, Fr.; Ryan Kucherak, Fr.; Dylan Thompson, Fr.
Breakdown: Braswell was South Carolina's second baseman for the majority of last season, but he also has experience at shortstop and third base. Nippolt is an excellent defensive option at the end of games.
Shortstop
Starting: Gavin Guidry, So.
In contention: Michael Braswell, Jr.; Steven Milam, Fr.; Austen Roellig, Fr.; Ryan Kucherak, Fr.; Dylan Thompson, Fr.
Breakdown: Guidry's intention has always been set on being a positional player first. Braswell's experience as an SEC starter on the infield makes him a strong candidate to start at shortstop too, as LSU has some depth behind Guidry and Braswell.
Third base
Starting: Tommy White, Jr.
In contention: Michael Braswell, Jr.; Ben Nippolt, Sr.; Steven Milam, Fr.
Breakdown: Even with his shoulder injury, White is the obvious starter. But LSU has some quality defensive options behind him.
Left field
Starting: Josh Pearson, Jr.
In contention: Mac Bingham, R-Sr., Ashton Larson, Fr., Ethan Frey, So., Mic Paul, So., Derrick Mitchell, Fr., Zeb Ruddell, R-Fr., Dallas Dale II, Fr., Griffin Cooley, Fr.
Breakdown: Pearson played left field during the Tigers' national title run so there's no reason why that would change. Larson is a primary candidate to be LSU's fourth outfielder this season.
Center field
Starting: Mac Bingham, R-Sr.
In contention: Paxton Kling, So.; Ashton Larson, Fr.; Mic Paul, So.; Derrick Mitchell, Fr.; Zeb Ruddell, R-Fr.; Dallas Dale II, Fr.; Griffin Cooley, Fr.
Breakdown: Bingham has been Arizona's center fielder for each of the last two seasons. His experience should earn him the job, even if Kling is athletic enough to play center field at a high level.
Right field
Starting: Paxton Kling, So.
In contention: Josh Pearson, Jr.; Ashton Larson, Fr.; Ethan Frey, So.; Derrick Mitchell, Fr.; Mic Paul, So.; Zeb Ruddell, R-Fr.; Dallas Dale II, Fr.; Griffin Cooley, Fr.
Breakdown: If Kling isn't in center, he'll be the everyday right fielder.
Designated Hitter
Starting: Hayden Travinski, R-Sr.
In contention: Ethan Frey, So.; Jared Jones, So.; Tommy White, Jr.
Breakdown: Travinski's bat became too valuable to keep him out of the lineup during the second half of last season. With Neal being the stronger defender behind the plate, that means Travinski is the designated hitter.
Starting batting order
Mac Bingham, CF
Josh Pearson, LF
Tommy White, 3B
Hayden Travinski, DH
Jared Jones, 1B
Paxton Kling, RF
Brady Neal, C
Gavin Guidry, SS
Michael Braswell, 2B
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Starting rotation
Friday: Luke Holman, RHP, Jr.
Saturday: Thatcher Hurd, RHP, Jr.
Sunday: Gage Jump, LHP, Jr.
Midweek: Griffin Herring, LHP, So.
In contention: Nate Ackenhausen, LHP, Sr.; Cameron Johnson, LHP, Fr.; Jake Brown, LHP, Fr.; Kade Woods, RHP, R-So.; Jaden Noot, RHP, R-Fr.; Javen Coleman, LHP, R-Jr.; Kade Anderson, LHP, Fr.; Christian Little, RHP, Sr.; Micah Bucknam, RHP, So.; Justin Loer, LHP
Breakdown: LSU has a litany of options with two slam dunk starters at the top of the rotation. Holman was Alabama's ace last season, while Hurd tries to build off his remarkable run in Omaha. Jump and Herring finish off the rotation but it's anyone's guess as to who earns the last two spots.
Bullpen
Closer: Justin Loer, LHP
Set up: Gavin Guidry, RHP, So. OR Nate Ackenhausen, LHP, Sr.
Top middle relievers: Cameron Johnson, LHP, Fr.; Kade Woods, RHP, R-So.; Jake Brown, LHP, Fr.; Javen Coleman, LHP, R-Jr.; Christian Little, RHP, Sr.; Micah Bucknam, RHP, So.; Kade Anderson, LHP, Fr.; Jaden Noot, RHP, R-Fr.; Aiden Moffett, RHP, So.; Sam Dutton, RHP, Jr.; Kaleb Applebey, RHP, R-So.; Chase Shores, RHP, So.; Fidel Ulloa, RHP, Jr.; MJ Seo, Fr.; Trenton Lape, RHP, Fr.; Dylan Thompson, RHP, Fr.; Will Hellmers, RHP, Sr.; DJ Primeaux, LHP, R-Fr.; Nic Bronzini, LHP, R-Fr.
Breakdown: If Loer doesn't become a starter, he'll be LSU's top bullpen option after posting a 1.89 ERA last year. Guidry was too valuable as a reliever a year ago to pull him away from his pitching duties entirely. And Ackenhausen may start or could be an elite reliever, and either outcome is feasible after his fantastic start against Tennessee in Omaha.
Koki Riley covers LSU sports for The Daily Advertiser. Email him at kriley@theadvertiser.com and follow him on Twitter at @KokiRiley
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU baseball: Lineup, starting rotation projection for 2024
