LSU’s Jay Johnson finding power hitters in the transfer portal

LSU’s top four home run hitters in 2024 will likely not be back in 2025. Tommy White and Jared Jones are expected to be drafted high enough that they’ll sign a contract with a Major League team. Hayden Travinski is out of eligibility and catcher Brady Neal, who hit nine home runs as a part-time player, is transferring to Alabama.

Coach Jay Johnson understands the need for slug and he’s finding power bats in the transfer portal.

The latest came Wednesday night with the news that UIW outfielder Dalton Beck is committing to LSU. The Southland Newcomer of the Year hit 18 home runs last season for the Cardinals and led the SLC with a .733 slugging percentage.

He also led the league with 89 hits and 67 RBIs. This will be Beck’s fourth school in four seasons. The Frisco, Texas, native started his college journey at Grayson College. He spent the 2023 at Kansas State and started three games on the mound for the Wildcats. Beck also has pitched a little for UIW.

LSU has also received a commitment from Luis Hernandez, who hit 23 home runs at Indiana State last season. Hernandez also hit .369 with 76 RBIS.

Both Beck and Hernandez are draft eligible, so there’s still a question whether they make it to LSU’s campus.

Another potential power bat for LSU next season is Eddie Yamin IV, who was a corner infielder at Dayton and can play catcher. Yamin had a breakout season for the Flyers in 2024 and hit 13 home runs.

Tanner Reaves is an intriguing bat. He’s not someone the Tigers plucked out of the transfer portal, but he is a JUCO transfer as he spent the last two seasons at Blinn College.  Reaves just helped the Buccaneers win the NCAA Division One National Championship.

Over the course of two seasons, at Blinn College, the left-handed hitter hit .398 with 46 doubles and 28 home runs. He’s another versatile player in the field as he can play second base, third base and left field.