When it comes to the transfer portal, does any school dominate quite like LSU? Looking ahead to the 2023 school year, the football team has 14 transfer commits, men’s basketball has six commits and women’s basketball has the No. 1 transfer class in the country. Now, the Tigers’ baseball program is looking to continue this trend as LSU baseball could target former Arizona State shortstop Luke Hill.
Former Arizona State shortstop Luke Hill enters the transfer portal
LSU baseball already has four transfer portal commits looking ahead to next season. The total includes three pitchers (Gage Jump, Kade Woods and Justin Loer) and one shortstop (Michael Braswell).
While each player should make an immediate impact next season, the Tigers are still looking for that one big fish to cap it all off. Last season, the two big additions were third baseman Tommy White and pitcher Paul Skenes. Skenes was recently drafted No. 1 overall to the MLB, while White is set to return to the team.
This leaves us wondering, who’s next for the Tigers’ program?
Well, allow me to introduce you to former Arizona State shortstop Luke Hill. Hill was a freshman for the Sun Devils this past season and was elite. Through the 2023 season, the shortstop recorded a 0.314 batting average, including 64 hits and 42 RBIs to go along with six home runs.
However, he might be best on defense, as he recorded 78 putouts with a 0.938 fielding percentage on the year.
Most impressively, he did this all as a freshman. Hill was easily among the best freshmen in the PAC-12 in 2023 and would be a welcome addition to any team.
Hill could be a picture-perfect fit in Baton Rouge
Having not even been in the transfer portal for a full day, Luke Hill is already one of the best players available. Still, why LSU?
Well, for starters, he’s from Baton Rouge, so a return home wouldn’t be all that surprising. Even more so is that LSU baseball is currently the king of college baseball.
Coming off their national championship victory, it would be silly if most of the top transfer targets didn’t have their eyes on the Tigers. Coach Jay Johnson has more than shown an ability to coach and develop his players.
There’s no question that the Tigers have capable shortstops on roster, but none show the upside Hill possesses. He has the potential to come in and be an immediate impact player on offense and defense.
Over the last two seasons, coach Jay Johnson has shown little hesitation in using the transfer portal. A commitment from Hill is certainly no guarantee, but it’s hard not to see the fit as being positive for all parties.
Hill would receive an opportunity to come home and compete for a championship. Meanwhile, LSU baseball would receive a possible two-year starter who would immediately help them compete for said championships.
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