Jared Jones returning to LSU; get ready for more bear sightings at Alex Box Stadium next season

There was great concern after the 2024 campaign that LSU would have to replace nearly its entire infield for the 2025 season. But with the Major League Baseball draft coming to an end on Wednesday those fears were not realized.

Power hitting first baseman Jared “Bear” Jones was not drafted and he’ll return for his junior season after hitting 28 home runs last season.

Another year at LSU will give Jones a chance to cut down on his strikeouts. He had a team-high 67 last year in 225 at bats, which means he’s striking out about 30% of the time.

Jones can also use the extra year to become a better defender. He made great strides this last season, committing only four errors, but there’s always room for improvement.

Jones has 42 home runs in his career and with a healthy season next year he’ll likely finish third in career home runs at LSU. But breaking Eddy Furniss career mark of 80 or even surpassing Brad Cresse’s 78 home runs might be a stretch.

Starting shortstop Michael Braswell has also said he’s back after a solid junior campaign where he hit .311 with four home runs and 36 RBIS.

Steven Milam will be back for his sophomore campaign most likely at second base after hitting .326 with 8 home runs and 40 RBIs.

One of the big position battles will be at third base. Utah Valley State transfer Daniel Dickinson and junior college transfer Tanner Reaves are the most likely candidates. Both are good hitters, Dickinson played mostly second base at UVU and Reaves was mostly a middle infielder at Blinn College.

LSU lost all three of its catchers from 2024 team, but appear to be in good shape behind the plate. Junior college transfer Blaise Priester is most likely the starting catcher, but Coach Jay Johnson is also excited about incoming freshman Cade Arrambide, who did not get drafted, despite being a Top 100 prep prospect.