Gamecock transfer Michael Braswell commits to SEC powerhouse
Former South Carolina infielder Michael Braswell didn’t waste time finding a new home.
Days after entering the transfer portal, the rising junior Braswell announced on social media that he would be transferring to LSU.
“Blessed to say I will be continuing my baseball career at Louisiana State University,” Braswell tweeted. “GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!”
Jay Johnson’s Tigers are still one of the eight teams left standing in the 2023 season, set to compete in the College World Series in Omaha — yet that didn’t stop the LSU staff from reeling in a transfer portal recruit. Ranked No. 1 in the country for much of the season, the Tigers are vying for their seventh national championship, last winning the CWS title in 2009 and finishing as runner-up in 2017.
Braswell’s transfer from South Carolina doesn’t come as much of a surprise after Braswell opened the season on the bench for the Gamecocks. A high-profile transfer coming in, Braswell started 54 games at shortstop as a freshman in 2022, hit .289 and even saw innings on the mound in a late-relief role.
But Braswell lost his starting shortstop role to Braylen Wimmer over fall and spring workouts, and he didn’t see consistent playing time for the Gamecocks this season until they lost infielders Will McGillis, Talmadge LeCroy and Wimmer himself to injuries.
Braswell played at third, short and second base for USC in 2023 and hit .255/.372/.353 in 153 at-bats. The Mableton, Georgia, native is a surehanded defender who can play multiple infield positions but has yet to show power at the plate with three career home runs.
This story was originally published June 15, 2023 at 9:37 AM.
