LSU finds some respite; the bullpen is developing slowly but steadily.

As the 2025 college baseball season rolls along, LSU’s baseball team has experienced a blend of ups and downs, but one of the most encouraging developments has been the steady growth of their bullpen. Over the years, LSU has prided itself on having a formidable pitching staff, and while the starting rotation has often received most of the attention, the bullpen is now becoming a critical factor in the team’s success. The road to bullpen stability has been anything but smooth, but recent performances indicate that LSU’s relief corps may be rounding into form.

The Early Struggles

The start of the 2025 season presented LSU with significant bullpen struggles. Coaches and fans alike were concerned, as the Tigers’ relief pitchers failed to deliver the consistent performances that a championship-contending team requires. While the starting rotation was solid, keeping games within reach, the bullpen’s inconsistency was apparent. Walks, wild pitches, and blown saves became a frustrating theme during the early part of the season.

LSU’s bullpen was once considered a strength, but the loss of several key pitchers from previous years and the lack of a reliable closer left a void. Injuries, inexperience, and an overall lack of depth resulted in some tight games slipping away late. LSU, a team built on its storied pitching tradition, had found itself struggling to close out games. As the season went on, however, a steady transformation began to take place.

A Step-by-Step Approach to Development

One of the keys to LSU’s bullpen development has been patience. Baseball is often a game of trial and error, especially for young pitchers who are thrown into high-pressure situations. LSU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Wes Johnson, has embraced a philosophy of giving their pitchers opportunities to work through their mistakes, instead of pulling them too quickly or abandoning them. This approach has allowed their bullpen to develop slowly but steadily.

Pitching Coach Wes Johnson’s Influence

Wes Johnson, who joined LSU as pitching coach in 2024, has had a significant impact on the bullpen’s growth. Known for his technical knowledge and his ability to build rapport with pitchers, Johnson has been a key figure in guiding young relievers through their growing pains. His approach emphasizes the mental aspects of the game, including managing pressure and staying calm during high-leverage moments. Under Johnson’s tutelage, pitchers have been able to refine their mechanics and adjust their approach to hitters, leading to improved results over time.

Johnson’s emphasis on data and analytics has also played a pivotal role. Using cutting-edge technology, such as TrackMan and Rapsodo, the LSU staff can break down every pitch in detail, from spin rates to release points, and give pitchers personalized feedback. By combining traditional coaching methods with modern analytics, Johnson has managed to maximize his pitchers’ potential, allowing them to develop a more consistent approach on the mound.

A Look at the Key Contributors

Several players have emerged as key contributors to LSU’s bullpen turnaround. While the unit as a whole is still a work in progress, some relievers have shown substantial growth, offering optimism for the team’s future.

Tyler Meador
One of the most impressive stories has been that of freshman pitcher Tyler Meador. Initially expected to be a long-term project, Meador has exceeded expectations and has quickly earned a spot as a reliable middle reliever. With a fastball that touches 94 mph and a sharp breaking ball, Meador has the tools to be a dominant force in the bullpen for years to come. Although he has been prone to occasional control issues, his strikeout ability and fearlessness on the mound have made him an invaluable asset in key situations.

Riley Cooper
Another important figure in LSU’s bullpen development has been senior Riley Cooper. Cooper, who has spent several seasons with the Tigers, has faced his own struggles in the past but has found new life in his final season. Known for his poise under pressure, Cooper has emerged as one of the team’s most reliable late-game options. He has developed a reputation as a pitcher who can handle the big moments, and his veteran presence has been a calming influence on the younger pitchers. Cooper’s experience has made him an essential part of the bullpen’s steady improvement.

Grant Taylor
Sophomore Grant Taylor has also played a crucial role in the bullpen’s development. Taylor, a hard-throwing right-hander, has seen his confidence grow over the course of the season. After a rough start to the year, he has found a groove, flashing a fastball that regularly hits 96 mph and a devastating slider that has become a swing-and-miss pitch. As Taylor’s control has improved, so has his ability to get outs in critical situations. His growth this season has been a microcosm of the bullpen as a whole: slow, steady progress, and a willingness to trust the process.

The Impact of Depth and Versatility

One of the major factors that have helped LSU’s bullpen find some stability is its increasing depth and versatility. Early in the season, the bullpen appeared thin, with only a handful of pitchers capable of handling high-leverage situations. However, as the season has progressed, the Tigers have developed more reliable arms, and this depth has allowed the coaching staff to manage workloads better, preventing overuse injuries and keeping pitchers fresh throughout the long season.

LSU’s ability to utilize pitchers in various roles has also been a key factor. Whether it’s using a pitcher in a high-leverage spot in the middle innings or having a left-handed specialist come in to face a tough hitter, the Tigers’ coaching staff has shown a deft ability to mix and match their bullpen arms based on matchups. This versatility gives LSU the flexibility to use pitchers in roles where they are most effective, while also preventing fatigue from building up in any one reliever.

The Road Ahead: Championship Aspirations

As the postseason approaches, LSU’s bullpen has gradually become a more reliable weapon. While the Tigers’ bullpen still isn’t perfect, its improvement has been one of the key reasons LSU is in contention for a College World Series berth. The team’s starting rotation is elite, and having a bullpen that can complement that rotation is critical to LSU’s chances of making a deep run in the postseason.

For LSU to truly contend for a national title, its bullpen will need to continue developing. The coaching staff will need to keep managing workloads carefully, ensuring that their key relievers are fresh and ready for the grind of a long postseason. Players like Meador, Cooper, and Taylor will be expected to rise to the occasion when the games become more intense, and their ability to handle pressure will be put to the test.

It’s also worth noting that LSU’s bullpen development isn’t just a short-term project. The growth of the relief pitchers will pay long-term dividends. As younger arms continue to mature and gain more experience, LSU will continue to be a dangerous team for years to come. The Tigers have always had a reputation for producing top-tier pitchers, and the current bullpen unit appears to be on track to keep that tradition alive.

LSU’s bullpen has faced its share of challenges this season, but it has shown the kind of steady improvement that is necessary for a team with championship aspirations. While the unit has not yet reached its full potential, the growth that has occurred throughout the year is a promising sign for the future. With a combination of youth, experience, and coaching expertise, LSU’s bullpen is developing into a weapon that can help the Tigers make a deep run in the postseason.

The journey of LSU’s bullpen is a testament to the importance of patience, hard work, and the development of young talent. The bullpen may not be fully where it needs to be, but it is moving in the right direction, providing hope for a successful conclusion to the 2025 season. If the Tigers can continue to develop their relievers and build on the strides they’ve made, LSU could be primed for another championship run in the very near future.