LSU Baseball Reloads, Not Rebuilds: What to Watch as the Tigers Begin Their Title Defense
LSU baseball is back in familiar territory - not just in the national spotlight, but squarely in the crosshairs of every opponent on the schedule. After capturing their second national title in three years, the Tigers enter 2026 with a No. 2 preseason ranking, a roster loaded with All-American talent, and expectations that are, once again, Omaha or bust.
The road to another championship begins now, with preseason scrimmages already underway and media day just around the corner. Head coach Jay Johnson and his squad are beginning to shape what this year’s team will look like, and there are plenty of storylines worth tracking as the Tigers gear up for another run at glory.
Infield Battles: Who Claims the Corners and Keystone?
Let’s start with the infield, where the competition is as deep as it is intriguing. LSU’s approach early in the season will likely involve a heavy rotation - expect to see double-digit players getting reps as the coaching staff looks to settle on the right mix.
Shortstop is locked down. Steven Milam isn’t just penciled in - he’s inked into the lineup. One of the country’s top defensive shortstops and a proven clutch bat, Milam is the heartbeat of the Tigers’ infield.
**Third base? ** That’s shaping up to be Trent Caraway’s job to lose.
The Oregon State transfer impressed throughout fall ball and has carried that momentum into the spring. Still, keep an eye on John Pearson and freshman Jack Ruckert - both are in the mix and could see opportunities if the door cracks open.
**Second base is wide open. ** This is the position to watch over the next few weeks.
Tanner Reaves, Seth Dardar, and Brayden Simpson are all vying for time, with Ruckert also making a strong case thanks to his standout fall. Expect this battle to go deep into camp - Johnson has options, and he’s not rushing the decision.
**First base has a frontrunner, but it’s not settled. ** Zach Yorke, another transfer, has emerged as the favorite.
His bat has been one of the most consistent since he arrived on campus, and he’s held his own defensively. But Simpson, Pearson, and freshman Mason Braun are all in the mix, especially when it comes to the designated hitter spot.
There’s plenty of runway left in this position battle.
Behind the plate, Cade Arrambide leads the way. The freshman is expected to handle the bulk of the catching duties, but don’t sleep on Omar Serna. LSU has learned the hard way that catcher is a demanding position to ride with just one guy - expect Serna to get meaningful early-season innings to keep both players fresh.
Who Joins Casan Evans in the Weekend Rotation?
One of the biggest questions heading into the season is how LSU will fill out its starting rotation beyond Casan Evans.
Evans, coming off a breakout freshman campaign as one of the top bullpen arms in the country, is making the jump to a starting role. He’s earned it - and the Tigers are betting on him to anchor the rotation.
As for the rest of the weekend staff, there’s no shortage of candidates.
Zac Cowan, Cooper Moore, William Schmidt, and Cooper Williams are the names to watch. Moore, a transfer, has impressed since arriving, while Schmidt has taken a noticeable step forward in his second year. Cowan and Williams, both key contributors during last year’s title run, will get every opportunity to earn starting roles.
Don’t be surprised if more names, like Marcos Paz, get looks early on - but those four are the frontrunners to join Evans in the rotation.
Outfield Stability, With a Side of Flexibility
If there’s one area of the field that feels rock-solid, it’s the outfield.
Chris Stanfield, Derek Curiel, and Jake Brown - the same trio that patrolled the grass during the 2025 championship run - are all back. Stanfield shifts to left, Curiel moves into center, and Brown stays put in right. That’s a ton of returning production and chemistry, and it’s hard to imagine a scenario where they aren’t the starters on opening day.
Still, don’t expect Johnson to stick with just three names all season. LSU has depth, and they plan to use it.
JUCO signee Daniel Harden and freshman William Patrick are two players who could see time in non-conference games, especially as the Tigers look to keep the regulars fresh and find ways to integrate new talent. Johnson has made it clear that rotating position players will be part of the early-season strategy - and that includes the outfield.
Injury Report: Trending Healthy
Injuries are always a concern this time of year, but the Tigers are in good shape heading into spring.
Some pitchers were brought along slowly during the fall - a cautious, expected move for a team with postseason aspirations. A few position players who logged heavy innings last year were also eased back into action.
One of the more notable returns is Gavin Guidry, who missed all of 2025 with a back injury. He’s back throwing, which is a promising sign for LSU’s depth on the mound.
Overall, this is a healthy group heading into preseason - and that’s exactly where you want to be with Omaha on your mind.
Final Thought
LSU isn’t just defending a title - they’re defending a standard. With a roster that blends returning stars, high-upside freshmen, and proven transfers, the Tigers aren’t rebuilding. They’re reloading.
As the preseason unfolds, the position battles and rotation decisions will start to take shape. But one thing’s already clear: LSU has the talent and the depth to make another serious run. The only question is how the pieces will fit together - and that’s what makes this time of year so compelling.
Stay tuned. The Tigers are just getting started.