LSU OF Derek Curiel has been named D1 Baseball’s freshman of the year!
In what has been a groundbreaking year for the LSU Tigers baseball program, freshman outfielder Derek Curiel has earned the prestigious honor of being named D1 Baseball’s Freshman of the Year. The recognition comes after an extraordinary season in which Curiel not only proved himself to be one of the most dynamic and exciting players in college baseball but also solidified his place among the top young talents in the sport. His performance on the field, coupled with his potential to become one of the game’s next great stars, has made this award a fitting tribute to his exceptional debut season in Baton Rouge.
D1 Baseball’s Freshman of the Year award, one of the most coveted honors in college baseball, is presented annually to the most outstanding first-year player across the NCAA Division I level. The award, which takes into account all positions, recognizes not just statistical performance, but also the overall impact a player has on his team and the game as a whole. In naming Curiel the winner, D1 Baseball highlighted his combination of batting power, speed, fielding prowess, and poise under pressure, all of which contributed to LSU’s successful campaign in the 2025 season.
Derek Curiel arrived at LSU as a highly touted recruit, having already made a name for himself at the high school level as one of the top prospects in the nation. Coming out of a storied high school career in California, where he was known for his explosive bat, impressive fielding ability, and natural athleticism, Curiel was expected to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. However, what he achieved in his first season with the Tigers exceeded even the highest expectations.
The freshman outfielder quickly proved to be a vital piece of LSU’s lineup, demonstrating an impressive combination of power and speed. Curiel’s ability to both hit for average and power set him apart from his peers and made him a constant threat on offense. Whether it was crushing home runs, driving in clutch RBIs, or using his speed to steal bases, Curiel demonstrated the type of all-around game that makes him a special player.
Throughout the season, Curiel was instrumental in LSU’s success, providing a spark both in the leadoff spot and throughout the middle of the order. His presence at the plate was a source of consistency for LSU, and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations showed maturity beyond his years. Despite being a freshman, Curiel showed an uncanny ability to handle the mental and emotional aspects of the game, which is often one of the toughest transitions for young players at the collegiate level.
Curiel’s impact was also felt defensively. As a natural outfielder, he displayed excellent range and a strong arm, frequently making difficult catches look routine. His agility and speed made him a force in the field, and his ability to track down fly balls kept opposing hitters on edge. His defensive consistency was just as valuable to LSU as his offensive production, as it provided the team with a reliable presence in the outfield.
When it comes to individual statistics, Derek Curiel had one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in recent memory. His final numbers speak volumes about his all-around game, and they are a testament to his potential as a future star in college baseball.
Over the course of the season, Curiel batted .351, a remarkable average for a freshman in one of the most competitive conferences in college baseball. He tallied 14 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases—solid numbers that placed him among the nation’s best in multiple offensive categories. His home run total alone was enough to rank him among the top 20 freshmen in the country, while his ability to steal bases added another dynamic element to his game. The combination of power, contact, and speed made Curiel a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
In addition to his power numbers, Curiel also demonstrated an exceptional eye at the plate. He walked 38 times during the season, showcasing his patience and ability to work counts. His on-base percentage of .445 reflected his discipline, and it became clear that opposing pitchers had to approach him with caution. Curiel’s ability to avoid strikeouts (he only struck out 42 times in 220 plate appearances) added to his value as a well-rounded hitter.
While his offensive numbers were eye-catching, Curiel’s fielding stats were just as impressive. He recorded a .987 fielding percentage, making only three errors in 231 chances. His defensive abilities, combined with his speed on the base paths and power at the plate, made him one of the most complete freshmen in college baseball.
Derek Curiel’s performance this season didn’t just earn him individual accolades; it was also instrumental in LSU’s overall success. The Tigers had one of their best seasons in recent memory, finishing near the top of the SEC standings and making a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Curiel was a key contributor to LSU’s offense, providing them with a reliable bat in the heart of the lineup and an anchor in the outfield.
One of the most notable aspects of Curiel’s season was his ability to perform in clutch situations. Whether it was driving in a go-ahead run in the late innings or making a game-saving catch in the outfield, Curiel seemed to rise to the occasion when the pressure was at its highest. His poise in big moments was something that LSU coach Jay Johnson consistently praised throughout the season.
In a high-stakes game against SEC rival Alabama, Curiel hit a game-winning two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure the win for LSU. That moment became a defining moment for Curiel, as it encapsulated his ability to step up when his team needed him the most. It was performances like that which made Curiel not only one of the most talented players on LSU’s roster but also one of the most valuable.
Curiel’s success was also a huge part of LSU’s recruiting efforts. His exceptional first year was a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent and put players in a position to succeed at the next level. With Curiel leading the charge, LSU demonstrated that it could develop players who are ready to make an immediate impact on the field, even as freshmen. His presence, alongside several other standout players, gave LSU the confidence to compete for championships both in the SEC and on the national stage.
As one of the most promising players in college baseball, Derek Curiel’s future at LSU is bright. His freshman year has already set a high bar for what’s to come, and with continued development and experience, Curiel is poised to become one of the premier players in the country over the next few years.
Although the road ahead is filled with challenges, Curiel’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his relentless work ethic suggest that he will continue to improve in every facet of his game. His combination of hitting, fielding, and base-running ability gives him the potential to be a future first-round draft pick, and many scouts are already keeping a close eye on his progress.
While it is still early in his college career, Curiel’s performance this season has made it clear that he has the tools to be an All-American and potentially even an MLB draft pick. His success this season has already placed him on the map as one of the top young talents in the game, and the sky is the limit for his future in baseball.
As Curiel looks ahead to his sophomore season, he will likely be expected to take on a bigger leadership role for LSU. With several key players departing, including some seniors who played crucial roles in the Tigers’ success, Curiel’s ability to step up and continue to lead both on and off the field will be essential for LSU’s continued success.
LSU head coach Jay Johnson has been instrumental in Curiel’s development, and he couldn’t be more excited about the future of the young star. After the announcement of Curiel’s Freshman of the Year award, Johnson took to social media to congratulate his player, stating, “Derek has been an incredible addition to our program. He has an unwavering commitment to excellence and is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching. His success this season is a reflection of his determination, and we are thrilled to see what the future holds for him at LSU.”
Johnson’s words reflect the respect and admiration that Curiel has earned not only from his coaches but from his teammates as well. His leadership, coupled with his natural talent, has made him a player that others look up to, and his presence in the locker room has become an integral part of LSU’s culture.
Derek Curiel’s remarkable freshman season has firmly established him as one of the top young players in college baseball. His combination of offensive firepower, defensive reliability, and mental toughness made him a standout player for LSU in 2025, and his recognition as D1 Baseball’s Freshman of the Year is a well-deserved accolade for the talented outfielder.
With a bright future ahead of him, Curiel’s success this season is just the beginning. Whether he continues to shine for LSU in the years to come or makes his way to the MLB, there is no doubt that Derek Curiel has a promising career ahead of him. For LSU, having such a dynamic and talented player on their roster is a huge boon, and it positions the Tigers for continued success in college baseball for the foreseeable future.
