The LSU Tigers have revealed that some changes will be made defensively in the outfield, according to D1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers.
Reigning National Freshman of the Year Derek Curiel will play center field, and senior Chris Stanfield will move to left field.
Both players were sound defenders last season. Stanfield had a fielding percentage of .991, and Curiel had a fielding percentage of 1.000.
Curiel was not only the National Freshman of the Year in 2025, but he was also second-team All-SEC and a part of the College World Series All-Tournament team as well.
He had a .345 batting average and 55 RBI. Curiel also had an outstanding on-base percentage at .470.
After two seasons with the Auburn Tigers, Stanfield decided to transfer to the LSU Tigers for the 2025 college baseball season.
That decision paid off as he hit career-highs in batting average (.298), OPS (.818), on-base percentage (.414), and RBI (31).
Stanfield also hit 15 doubles last season, which was the second-most on the team. Only Curiel had more with 20.
Both Curiel and Stanfield contributed to a big-time season for the Tigers. LSU finished with a 53-15 overall record. They were also 19-11 in SEC play.
They made the 2025 NCAA Tournament and hosted a regional and super regional at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge.
The Tigers advanced to the College World Series for the 20th time in program history and went on to win the national championship. It was LSU’s second national title in three years.
NCAA News: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: LSU’s Chris Stanfield celebrates after scoring off a single by Derek Curiel during the third inning against Coastal Carolina in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
