LSU freshman OF Derek Curiel and freshman RHP Casan Evans has been named Freshman All-Americans by D1 Baseball!

In a monumental recognition for the Louisiana State University Tigers, freshman outfielder Derek Curiel and freshman right-handed pitcher Casan Evans have both been named Freshman All-Americans by D1 Baseball. This prestigious honor is one of the highest individual accolades a first-year player can receive in college baseball, and it marks a major achievement for both players in their inaugural seasons at LSU.

Curiel and Evans’ selections as Freshman All-Americans highlight their outstanding performances during the 2025 season, during which both players played pivotal roles in LSU’s success. From Curiel’s dynamic offensive presence to Evans’ dominance on the mound, the two freshmen showcased the kind of talent and poise that is often expected from seasoned veterans, rather than first-year players. Their recognition is a testament to the strength of LSU’s baseball program and the coaching staff’s ability to develop top-tier talent.

Derek Curiel’s freshman campaign was nothing short of sensational. Arriving at LSU as one of the nation’s top recruits, Curiel was expected to be a major contributor to the Tigers’ lineup from the moment he stepped foot on campus. However, his impact was even more significant than anticipated. Curiel quickly became a cornerstone of LSU’s offense, and his blend of power, speed, and athleticism made him one of the most exciting young players in all of college baseball.

Curiel’s offensive numbers were eye-popping, to say the least. The 6-foot-1 outfielder hit .351, a remarkable batting average for any player, let alone a freshman. His ability to consistently make contact with the ball while hitting for power and maintaining a high average was one of the standout features of his game. Over the course of the season, Curiel smashed 14 home runs, drove in 55 RBIs, and stole 14 bases, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple aspects of the game.

Curiel’s bat was a key factor in LSU’s offensive attack, and his performance against SEC competition was particularly impressive. In one memorable game against Arkansas, Curiel went 3-for-4 with two home runs and a double, leading LSU to a crucial victory. His success in SEC play underscored his ability to perform at the highest level of college baseball, and his consistency in big moments proved that he was a player who could handle the pressure of facing some of the country’s best pitchers.

What set Curiel apart from other freshmen, however, was his maturity and approach at the plate. Despite his age, Curiel exhibited an exceptional eye for the strike zone, walking 38 times and only striking out 42 times in 220 plate appearances. His on-base percentage of .445 highlighted his ability to avoid swinging at bad pitches and take what the pitcher gave him. Whether it was laying off tough pitches or driving the ball with authority when given the opportunity, Curiel’s approach to hitting was far beyond his years.

Additionally, Curiel’s ability to perform in the field added another layer to his value. Playing in the outfield, Curiel displayed a natural comfort in tracking down fly balls and a strong arm that made him a threat to throw out baserunners. His defensive consistency, combined with his offensive production, made him an all-around player that LSU could count on day in and day out.

While Derek Curiel’s bat stole much of the spotlight, LSU’s pitching staff was bolstered by another freshman who was nothing short of spectacular: right-handed pitcher Casan Evans. Like Curiel, Evans entered LSU as a highly regarded recruit, and the freshman lived up to the hype in his first season. Evans quickly established himself as one of the top pitchers on LSU’s roster and emerged as a key contributor to the team’s success on the mound.

Evans’ fastball, which touches 97 mph, became one of his most feared weapons. The freshman displayed a level of command and control that was rare for someone in their first year of college ball. Evans’ ability to locate his fastball, coupled with his devastating breaking ball, allowed him to keep opposing hitters off balance all season long. His dominance on the mound was evident from the very beginning, and he quickly earned the trust of LSU’s coaching staff to pitch in high-leverage situations.

Over the course of the season, Evans posted a remarkable 2.36 ERA with a 7-2 record in 15 appearances. His 86 strikeouts in 72.1 innings of work was another key indicator of his potential, and his ability to rack up strikeouts with regularity proved that he was capable of dominating hitters at the highest level. Evans also showed remarkable poise on the mound, consistently executing his pitches in tough situations and maintaining his composure even when the pressure was on.

One of the defining moments of Evans’ freshman season came in a crucial SEC matchup against Mississippi State, where he pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits while striking out 10 batters. That performance solidified Evans’ status as one of the top pitchers in the SEC, and it demonstrated that he could handle the rigors of college baseball, even in one of the most competitive conferences in the country.

Evans’ contributions were vital to LSU’s pitching staff, and his success as a freshman made him one of the most promising young arms in college baseball. His selection as a Freshman All-American is a testament to his dominance and the significant impact he had on LSU’s season.

The selections of Curiel and Evans as Freshman All-Americans further elevate LSU’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite baseball talent. While the Tigers’ roster was filled with experienced players and veterans, the contributions of these two freshmen proved that LSU’s future is in good hands. Their performances not only showcased their individual abilities but also underscored the depth and talent that LSU continues to attract to Baton Rouge.

The LSU coaching staff, led by head coach Jay Johnson, has made it a priority to develop young talent and build a foundation for future success. The development of both Curiel and Evans in their freshman seasons is a direct reflection of the program’s commitment to player development. With multiple other highly rated freshmen on the roster, the success of Curiel and Evans bodes well for the future of LSU baseball.

Head coach Jay Johnson expressed his excitement over the two freshmen’s accomplishments, saying, “Derek and Casan have both had exceptional seasons, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. They are incredibly talented players, but what sets them apart is their work ethic and their ability to step up in big moments. This recognition is a well-deserved honor for both of them, and it speaks volumes about the culture we’re building here at LSU.”

Being named a Freshman All-American by D1 Baseball is a prestigious honor for any player. The award not only highlights individual success but also recognizes the impact a player has had on their team and the game. For Curiel and Evans, this recognition represents a significant milestone in their careers and sets the stage for even greater success in the future.

For LSU, having two Freshman All-Americans on the roster sends a clear message that the program is not just about developing players for the present, but also for the future. As the Tigers continue to recruit top-tier talent, the success of freshmen like Curiel and Evans reinforces LSU’s reputation as one of the premier baseball programs in the country.

The impact of the award extends beyond just Curiel and Evans themselves. Their recognition also shines a spotlight on LSU’s coaching staff, who have proven their ability to develop young players and help them reach their full potential. It is a testament to the program’s strength and the vision of Coach Jay Johnson and his staff, who have created an environment where young players can thrive and make an immediate impact.

As Freshman All-Americans, both Derek Curiel and Casan Evans are poised for bright futures at LSU. While the accolades may be piling up in their first year, their potential for growth is even greater. Both players will have the opportunity to build on their successes and continue to develop their skills in Baton Rouge.

Curiel will likely be expected to take on an even larger leadership role for the Tigers in the coming years. His ability to impact games offensively and defensively makes him a cornerstone player for LSU, and it’s not out of the question that he could be a key player in LSU’s push for an SEC title and a national championship.

As for Evans, his continued development as a pitcher will be one of the most closely watched storylines for LSU in the coming seasons. With his fastball velocity, sharp breaking ball, and natural command, Evans has the tools to become one of the best pitchers in college baseball. He will likely be a key part of LSU’s rotation for years to come, and there is little doubt that he will be a top prospect when the time comes for the MLB draft.

Both Curiel and Evans have already shown that they have what it takes to excel at the highest levels of college baseball. With the recognition as Freshman All-Americans, they have set a high bar for themselves, and fans can expect even greater performances from these two young stars in the years ahead.

Derek Curiel and Casan Evans’ selections as Freshman All-Americans by D1 Baseball represent a significant achievement for both players, the LSU baseball program, and the future of college baseball. Their outstanding performances this season have made them two of the most exciting young players in the country, and their recognition as Freshman All-Americans is a well-deserved honor.

For LSU, these two freshmen are not just a glimpse into the future—they are a testament to the program’s continued excellence and the ability to develop top-tier talent. With Curiel and Evans leading the way, the Tigers are in a strong position to remain a powerhouse in college baseball for years to come.