The departure of Jared Jones left a big hole in the middle of LSU baseball’s lineup, but Grand Canyon transfer Zach Yorke has no intention of trying to be the next Jones.

“I’m not really trying to replace him,” Yorke said Monday. “I’m just going to try to be myself and help my team win as much as I can.”

But LSU coach Jay Johnson is still betting on Yorke to be a major contributor and Jones’ replacement at first base ahead of its 2026 season opener against Milwaukee on Feb. 13. Based on what Johnson saw during the fall, he is confident in Yorke becoming that kind of player.

“He has plenty of power, and that’s the thing that grabs everybody's attention,” Johnson said. “But he doesn't have to sell out to hit with power, and I think that allows you to make a really positive contribut

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