Jay Johnson and LSU Baseball secures a commitment from North Dakota State transfer LHP Danny Lachenmayer.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Jay Johnson and the LSU Tigers have continued their transfer portal hot streak, securing a commitment from North Dakota State standout LHP Danny Lachenmayer, one of the most sought-after mid-major arms in the country.
The 6-foot-4 southpaw announced his decision on Tuesday via social media, declaring,
“I’m proud to announce my commitment to Louisiana State University! Ready to get to work in Baton Rouge. #GeauxTigers”
With this addition, LSU continues to fortify a retooling pitching staff that’s set to lose several key arms to graduation and the MLB Draft.
A junior from Stillwater, Minnesota, Lachenmayer was North Dakota State’s ace in 2024, earning All-Summit League honors after a breakout campaign that put him firmly on the national radar. Known for his smooth mechanics, towering frame, and deceptive delivery, Lachenmayer finished the season with:
- 3.12 ERA
- 94 strikeouts in 81 innings
- .218 opponent batting average
- Just 22 walks allowed
Lachenmayer’s arsenal includes a fastball that sits 91–93 mph, a late-breaking slider, and a developing changeup that keeps righties honest. He’s especially effective at inducing weak contact and controlling the pace of the game — traits that will be crucial in the high-pressure environment of SEC play.
Sources indicate Lachenmayer received interest from more than a dozen Power Five programs, but LSU separated itself early with a targeted approach led by pitching coach Nate Yeskie. The Tigers’ track record of developing arms for pro ball, plus the opportunity to play on the biggest stage in college baseball, ultimately sealed the deal.
“It came down to trust,” Lachenmayer told Perfect Game. “Coach Johnson and Coach Yeskie laid out a clear plan for my development. I want to compete against the best, and there’s no better place than LSU.”
The decision is particularly notable because Lachenmayer still has two years of eligibility remaining — giving LSU a multi-year investment in a high-upside lefty who has yet to reach his ceiling.
Lachenmayer’s commitment addresses one of LSU’s biggest offseason priorities: left-handed starting pitching depth. After the departure of top arms like Luke Holman and potential pro losses such as Gavin Guidry and Nate Ackenhausen, LSU’s weekend rotation is wide open for 2025.
Lachenmayer is expected to immediately compete for a Saturday or Sunday starter role, and depending on how fall ball unfolds, could even pitch his way into Friday night duties. His ability to go deep into games and miss bats offers a dependable counter to the right-handed-heavy power arms already on the roster.
Lachenmayer becomes the third transfer pitcher to commit to LSU this summer, joining:
- Ryler Smart (LHP, Tennessee)
- Ethan Bargo (RHP, Missouri)
He also joins one of the top freshman classes in the nation, including:
- Tyler James (LHP, Louisiana Gatorade Pitcher of the Year)
- Brayden Moore (RHP, 95+ fastball)
- Omar Serna (C/1B), who opted out of the MLB Draft to join LSU
This blend of portal experience and freshman upside is exactly the formula that helped LSU win the national title in 2023 — and it’s clear Johnson is doubling down on that blueprint.
The college baseball world reacted quickly to Lachenmayer’s decision, with several insiders praising the fit and upside:
- Aaron Fitt (D1Baseball):
“Lachenmayer is a legit Power Five starter. Low walk rate, lefty deception, and bulldog mentality. Big get for LSU.” - Ben McDonald, LSU alum and SEC Network analyst:
“Danny’s gonna thrive under Coach Yeskie. Big frame, SEC-ready makeup — he’s the kind of guy who wins you games in Hoover and Omaha.”
Lachenmayer is expected to arrive in Baton Rouge by mid-July, where he’ll begin offseason training and settle in before fall ball. The Tigers will evaluate his command, velocity uptick, and durability during the fall scrimmage schedule, with a chance to solidify his role early.
If he continues his upward trajectory, Lachenmayer could become one of the most valuable transfers in the SEC, giving LSU a consistent and mature presence on the mound throughout the grueling 10-week conference schedule.
Danny Lachenmayer may not have been a household name heading into the 2024 season, but his rise at North Dakota State and decision to join LSU cement him as a player to watch in 2025.
In an era where winning in college baseball often hinges on depth, experience, and adaptability, LSU just added all three in one arm.
Welcome to Baton Rouge, Danny. Let’s geaux chase titles.
