As the LSU Tigers continue to claw their way through the SEC gauntlet, one question echoed louder than any other after the Alabama series: Should Jake Brown become an everyday starter? Following a dramatic weekend that saw LSU win two of three against the Crimson Tide, Brown’s performance may have been the loudest argument in favor of change.
1. The Bat is Talking — Loudly
Jake Brown’s bat didn’t just wake up in the Alabama series—it roared. Over three games, the freshman phenom slashed an eye-popping .556 with two home runs, five RBIs, and six runs scored. In Sunday’s rubber match, he launched a 413-foot moonshot into the right-field bleachers, flipping the energy in Alex Box Stadium and cementing the win. His ability to handle SEC-caliber pitching with poise and power is no longer just promise—it’s production. LSU’s offense, which has struggled with consistency this season, could greatly benefit from his hot bat being a fixture in the lineup.
2. Positional Flexibility Adds Value
While Brown was recruited primarily as a two-way player, his recent reps in the outfield and at first base suggest he’s more than capable of holding down a regular defensive spot. With Tommy White locked in at third and Jared Jones anchoring first, LSU’s outfield rotation—riddled with underperforming veterans and injuries—may be the key. Brown’s athleticism and above-average arm give him the tools to be more than just a bat off the bench.
3. Veteran Slumps Open the Door
LSU’s coaching staff has shown patience with veteran players, but patience only stretches so far. Tre’ Morgan and Paxton Kling have both hit under .250 in SEC play, and several others are in extended funks. Brown’s spark over the weekend wasn’t just about individual numbers—it changed the lineup’s dynamic. He brought a jolt of energy that LSU’s dugout fed off, something that’s hard to quantify but impossible to ignore.
4. Momentum Can’t Be Ignored
There’s an old baseball saying: Ride the hot hand. Brown is scorching right now. Keeping him on the bench risks cooling him off, something LSU can’t afford with pivotal series against Arkansas and Florida looming. Coach Jay Johnson has a tough call to make, but the upside of Brown as a daily presence is outweighing the status quo.
5. A Glimpse into the Future
Even if LSU views 2025 as Brown’s breakout year, the Alabama series proved the future might already be here. Starting him now gives LSU the best chance to win today while accelerating his development. And if the Tigers want to make a serious postseason run, getting the most out of emerging stars like Jake Brown may not be optional—it may be essential.
The verdict? The question isn’t should LSU make Jake Brown an everyday starter. After what we saw in the Alabama series, the real question is how soon can they make it happen.
