Every former LSU player set to make a 2023 MLB roster

Opening Day is fast approaching.

Spring has sprung and professional baseball is upon us. While LSU is having success on the college front, several alumni are enjoying stints in the big leagues. LSU has eight former players expected to earn significant playing time with even more in the minors.

We’re taking a look at the expectations for each as they begin their 2023 season. Eight is a decent number. Baseball isn’t like football where nearly everyone goes to college, but LSU still produces a good amount of talent.

We begin with the biggest name: Alex Bregman.

Alex Bregman

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Bregman was a star at LSU who quickly ascended through the minor leagues to be a star at the MLB level.

Bregman is a veteran. He’s finished top five in MVP voting twice. In 2018 and 19, he had an OPS+ over 150. He’s been one of the game’s best and most consistent hitters over the last half-decade or so, posting a .820 OPS as a 28-year-old last year while appearing in 155 games.

Bregman is a key part of the Astros lineup as they look to defend their World Series win.

Kevin Gausman

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Gausman had lights out stuff at LSU, but his early days in the big leagues were marred by inconsistency.

The last few years were a different story. Gausman figured it out. In 2021, he posted a 2.81 ERA with the Giants that turned into a big contract with the Blue Jays.

He followed up with the best WAR of his career in 2022. He’s back with the Jays again this year where he’ll look to continue his success.

Jake Fraley

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Fraley spent time with the Mariners before joining the Reds last year. The 2022 season saw Fraley bat .259, a career-high batting average to go along with a 118 OPS+.

He’s an above-average hitter who can run the bases and play strong defense. He’s put up good numbers in spring training so far too.

He struggles against left-handed pitching, so he likely isn’t an everyday player at the moment, but there’s a lot of opportunity in that Reds outfield.

Alex Lange

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Lange was an ace at LSU but has taken on a relief role with the Detroit Tigers. He made his debut in 2021 and has appeared in 107 games since then.

In 2022, he improved his ERA and strikeout rate and cut down on the home runs allowed. He upped his ground ball rate by over 10 points too.

Lange still has some control issues to work out. He’s walked too many batters and based on some of his spring training appearances, he’s doesn’t have it all figured out yet.

But Lange could get a chance to be the Tigers closer. With some more progression, he might turn into a dynamic reliever. It’s certainly something to watch heading into 2023.

DJ LeMahieu

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LeMahieu is a veteran having made his debut with the Cubs in 2011.

In his prime, he was one of the league’s top hitters. He’s won batting titles and hit over .300 four times.

He’s 34 now and played just 125 games last year with his worst average since his rookie year. But he was still a well above-average player, posting a wRC+ of 116 (100 is average) and a 3.0 WAR.

This will be a key year for LeMahieu. The Yankees will be counting on him to produce. If he can get some of his power back, he’ll be fine.

Aaron Nola

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Nola was a dominant pitcher at LSU and has emerged as one of the MLB’s top arms in the last decade.

According to FanGraphs, only five starters have a better WAR since Nola made his debut in 2015. He’s pitched over 200 innings three times in his career and projects to be around there again this year.

Nola was a key part of the Phillies NL championship team last year and is close to a bona fide ace.

Austin Nola

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Nola has taken a strange path to get where he is.

He was a shortstop at LSU, but transitioned to catching in pro ball. He didn’t make his MLB debut until he was 29.

He’s now with the Padres, where’s he been a plus player for a few years now. He’s hit over .250 every year in the bigs. That’s decent for anyone but especially a catcher.

There was a scary moment a couple of days ago with Nola taking a pitch to the face.

It’s not clear how much time Nola will miss.

Nola won’t light the stat-sheet on fire, but you don’t need that from a catcher. He does his job and has been a valuable piece to San Diego.

Josh Smith

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Smith was a member of LSU’s 2017 team that appeared in the CWS final.

He began his minor league career in the Yankees system but made his big-league debut with the Texas Rangers last July, Smith struggled, hitting just .197, but he stole four bases and had a good walk rate.

Smith is your modern utility man. He appeared at third base, second base, shortstop and in left field last year. In spring training, he’s spent time in center field.

The Rangers are set at second and short with Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, but there’s space for Smith to earn more at-bats here.

His defensive value and versatility, paired with his walking ability, make him a valuable depth piece and the opportunity to be more if Smith can generate more hits at the plate.

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Story originally appeared on LSU Tigers Wire