BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU baseball has added a key piece to its pitching roster with the commitment of freshman left-handed pitcher Danny Lachenmayer, who recently announced his transfer from North Dakota State University via the NCAA transfer portal.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound southpaw from Eagan, Minnesota, brings a proven track record of postseason performance, strikeout stuff, and immediate bullpen value.
Breakout Year at NDSU
Lachenmayer emerged as one of the top freshman relievers in the country during the 2025 season, serving as NDSU’s primary closer. He posted an impressive 2.37 ERA over 38 innings, racking up 56 strikeouts against just 18 walks in 24 appearances.
His nine saves — six in Summit League play — led the conference and earned him First-Team All–Summit League honors.
In recognition of his dominant season, Lachenmayer was one of only six true freshmen nationwide named to the NCBWA Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List, a testament to his reliability and high-leverage performance.
Postseason Poise and Dominant Arsenal
Lachenmayer’s postseason performances cemented his status as a top-tier bullpen weapon.
In the NCAA Fayetteville Regional, he delivered 2.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts against Kansas, showcasing his ability to handle pressure on the national stage.
During the Summit League Tournament, he threw a combined 6.1 shutout innings, striking out 10 and recording a championship-clinching save.
Armed with a deceptive three-pitch mix — including a sharp, swing-and-miss slider — opponents hit just .164 against him in 2025. His ability to miss bats and neutralize both left- and right-handed hitters makes him an ideal fit for SEC competition.
Strategic Addition for LSU
Under head coach Jay Johnson, LSU has built a pipeline for elite transfer pitchers looking to win big.
The Tigers have already landed several high-impact right-handed pitchers this offseason, including Anthony Eyanson, Chandler Dorsey, Zac Cowan, Deven Sheerin and Jacob Mayers — all ranked among the nation’s top 85 transfers.
Lachenmayer adds a crucial left-handed dimension to that group, giving LSU greater flexibility in matchups and high-leverage scenarios. With three years of NCAA eligibility remaining, he provides both short-term impact and long-term development potential as the Tigers pursue another College World Series (CWS) Division 1 baseball championship.
Versatility and Bullpen Depth
Lachenmayer’s ability to pitch in a variety of relief roles — whether as a late-inning closer, situational lefty or potential multi-inning weapon — adds needed versatility to LSU’s bullpen.
His strike-throwing ability and maturity on the mound make him a natural candidate for high-leverage innings in SEC play.
According to sources close to the program, LSU’s summer evaluations emphasized his “swing-and-miss slider, calm demeanor under pressure, and professional approach” — traits that align well with the Tigers’ pitching philosophy.
From Minnesota to Baton Rouge
Lachenmayer’s journey began at Eagan High School in Minnesota, where he posted a 2.06 ERA and struck out 47 batters in 40.2 innings, earning multiple first-team All-Conference honors.
After committing to NDSU, he quickly moved from middle relief to the closer role — a rise that didn’t go unnoticed by Bison head coach Tyler Oakes.
Now, Lachenmayer brings that same competitiveness and drive to college baseball’s premier program.
What’s Next
As LSU looks ahead to the 2026 season, Lachenmayer will aim to acclimate quickly to his new environment.
His command, poise, and postseason résumé suggest he could be a key contributor from the outset, with the potential to earn meaningful innings against some of the nation’s best lineups.
His development into a consistent SEC reliever — or potentially more — will be a key storyline as the Tigers’ next chapter approaches.
Transfer Portal Success and Forward Momentum
Lachenmayer’s commitment is part of a broader trend for LSU, which continues to capitalize on the transfer portal to strengthen its roster with proven, high-upside talent.
The coaching staff has prioritized players with postseason experience, and Lachenmayer fits that mold perfectly.
As more talent shifts through the portal each year, LSU’s track record of identifying and developing elite transfers positions it to remain a national title contender.
Conclusion
Danny Lachenmayer’s arrival in Baton Rouge is more than just a roster addition — it’s a strategic investment in a pitcher with elite potential.
With his strong freshman campaign, clutch postseason performances, and ability to thrive in pressure situations, Lachenmayer is poised to become a cornerstone of LSU’s bullpen.
From a high school standout in Minnesota to a conference closer at NDSU — and now a Tiger with CWS ambitions — his journey reflects the evolving landscape of college baseball and the opportunities the transfer portal presents to both athletes and programs.