A not totally surprising entry into the portal
Rising junior outfielder Ashton Larson has entered his name into the NCAA’s Transfer Portal, as first reported by D1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers. Larson will have two years of eligibility remaining.
To me this isn’t wholly unexpected. Larson saw his playing time dramatically cut down from his excellent freshman season to his second year with the program. As a freshman, Larson played in 53 games, started 40 times, and earned Freshman All-SEC accolades; this year, however, Larson only appeared in 34 games and started five times. Between the logjam of left-handed corner outfielders of Derek Curiel, Jake Brown, and Josh Pearson, plus Ethan Frey claiming the DH job, Larson ended up being the odd man out; and seeing how 2026 will be Larson’s draft year, it makes sense for him to try and find a spot where he can start every single day.
Larson entering the portal makes me wonder if LSU’s 2026 outfield is more or less set. Curiel will be back for his sophomore season, Brown will be back for his junior season, and maybe this means Chris Stanfield is returning for his senior season; I’m also wondering if this is a sign that Frey is leaning towards returning in ‘26?
With all due respect to the other players from this 2025 roster who have entered the Transfer Portal, Larson’s the most impactful player to put their name in. Larson can certainly hack it at the collegiate level. He batted .298 as a freshman and his .337 average in SEC play led the Tigers last season. Last summer at the Cape Cod League, Larson hit .316 with nine doubles, one homer and 18 RBI in 31 games and he entered the 2025 season ranked as Perfect Game’s No. 59 overall sophomore. At least he’s leaving Baton Rouge with a national championship ring on his finger.
The deadline to enter the portal is tomorrow, July 1.