LSU Baseball Secures SEC Pitcher From Transfer Portal

The Tigers remain active in the portal despite playing in the College World Series, add righty to the rotation.

Jay Johnson and Co. may still be playing in the College World Series, but that hasn’t stopped LSU from remaining active in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

LSU added a commitment from Alabama pitcher and former Ouachita Christian star Kade Woods on Friday, 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. 

Thankful for my time @AlabamaBSB

Blessed for the opportunity with @LSUbaseball!!@LSUCoachJ
Geaux Tigers! #BacktoTheBoot#Homecoming pic.twitter.com/B4hcOMr42i

— Andrew Kade Woods (@AndrewKadeWoods) June 24, 2023

With the departure of Paul Skenes and LSU battling the injury bug this season in their rotation, Johnson reiterated that the transfer portal will be their best friend this offseason and it’s already showing.

The Tigers will certainly be looking to secure a handful of pitchers via the portal, but they’ve also remained active in other areas.

Woods' commitment is pledge No. 3 for the Tigers after South Carolina infielder Michael Braswell and Xavier southpaw Justin Loer revealed their transfer to Baton Rouge last week. 

Loer is coming off of a big-time season for the Musketeers, striking out 57 batters in just 63 innings pitched on his way to All-Conference honors.

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.

For Braswell, the high-profile transfer 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.

LSU will be in the mix for several transfers this offseason, but they’ve certainly hit the ground running after landing Woods, Loer and Braswell before the season concludes.