LSU Going To Be Led By Sophomores In 2024

The Louisiana State Tigers are looking to defend their title as champions this season. Despite losing 13 players to the Major League Draft, the Tigers are returning a very solid core of sophomores who will play a big role in 2024. Let's take a look at these sophomores who will help the Tigers attempt to repeat as champions.

Gavin Guidry: Right Handed Pitcher

Gavin Guidry was one of the best relievers in the Tigers bullpen last season. As a freshman, Guidry was utilized in high leverage situations which included a two inning appearance in the last two innings of the College World Series. Last season, Guidry posted a 3.77 earned run average in 28.2 innings pitched with 42 strikeouts. He also had a 1.24 WHIP along with a 63% strike percentage. Guidry will definitely be used in more high leverage situations in his upcoming sophomore season.

Brady Neal: Catcher

Brady Neal is a player who I think will get an increased number of playing time in his sophomore season. Last year, Neal was mainly a backup at catcher, but had a lot of at-bats early in the season. Last season, Neal owned a batting average of .209 with three home runs and nine runs batted in. He also finds ways to get on base with an on base percentage of .411. I believe that Neal will get more at-bats next season despite graduate students, Alex Milazzo and Hayden Travinski staying another season.

Jared Jones: First Base

Jared Jones was by far the most successful freshman for the Tigers last season as he was the starting first baseman for the majority of the season. As a freshman, Jones batted .304 with 14 home runs and 45 runs batted in. He also posted an impressive .640 slugging percentage and 12 doubles. A big time power hitter from the right side of the batters box will continue to be the starting first baseman for the Tigers this season.

Paxton Kling: Outfield

Paxton Kling has a very tough task in front of him as he works to fill the shoes of second overall pick, Dylan Crews. Kling is a five tool player, similar to Crews, but battled with a hamstring injury his freshman season. During his freshman campaign, Kling batted .289 with four home runs and nine runs batted in. He also hit five doubles and two triples. Kling goes into February as the successor to Crews and will look to build upon his solid freshman season.

Griffin Herring: Left Handed Pitcher

Griffin Herring is another sophomore pitcher who was very effective last season. Herring was used in a long relief role as most of his appearances were for multiple innings out of the bullpen. Last season, Herring had a 3.93 earned run average in 34.1 innings pitched with 41 strikeouts. The lefty will have a similar role this season as the long relief option, in a strong Tigers bullpen.

As you can see, LSU is loaded with sophomores for this upcoming season. These five players will look to build upon their impressive freshman seasons and defend the Tigers title.