The LSU Tigers have just been dealt a crushing blow in what has already been a roller-coaster 2025 season. Gavin Guidry, one of the most promising infielders on the roster, is officially out for the remainder of the season due to an injury that could have far-reaching implications not only for this year’s campaign but also for the team’s future. The sophomore standout had emerged as a stabilizing force for Jay Johnson’s squad, a player whose leadership, defensive prowess, and improving bat made him a cornerstone in the Tigers’ long-term plans. Now, that future has been thrown into uncertainty. And the biggest question on everyone’s mind is simple: will Guidry return to Baton Rouge in 2026?
The timing could not be worse. LSU is knee-deep in conference play, battling through the brutal SEC gauntlet and trying to claw its way back into national championship contention. Guidry’s absence creates a massive hole in both the lineup and the clubhouse. A former top recruit, Guidry had made significant strides in 2025, becoming more consistent at the plate and continuing to display a high baseball IQ on the field. His glove work, range, and internal clock at shortstop were reminiscent of LSU greats of the past, drawing comparisons to Alex Bregman for his poise and precision. Though not yet the power threat Bregman was, Guidry had proven himself invaluable in clutch situations, often providing the kind of spark that kept LSU’s offense rolling even when the rest of the bats went quiet.
Sources close to the program indicate that the injury is serious, though details have not been disclosed beyond the fact that it will sideline Guidry for the rest of the season. Whether it’s a torn ligament, a fracture, or another type of significant ailment, the result is the same—LSU will be forced to finish the 2025 campaign without one of its key pieces. Perhaps more pressing, however, is the dilemma Guidry now faces regarding his future. Should he return to LSU in 2026, or will he consider entering the MLB Draft, rehabbing on the side, and beginning the long road to professional baseball?
It’s not an easy decision, and much will depend on the severity of the injury and the prognosis for recovery. For many players, the opportunity to return and prove themselves after an injury is enticing. It’s a chance to silence doubters, to finish what they started, and to ensure they leave on their own terms. For others, especially those with high-end talent and pro potential, there is always the risk of re-injury or diminishing draft stock with another year in college. Baseball is a game of attrition as much as skill, and for someone like Guidry—who has already shown he has what it takes—some scouts might argue that getting healthy and going pro is the smart play.
But this is LSU. And for players who buy into what Jay Johnson is building, the appeal of one more ride in purple and gold can be tough to resist. Guidry has never hidden his love for the program. A Louisiana native, he grew up idolizing LSU baseball and has often spoken about what it means to wear the jersey. He’s a player who plays for the name on the front, not just the one on the back. That’s why fans are hopeful he’ll choose to come back, not just to finish his college career on a higher note but to help usher in the next wave of Tigers talent.
Injuries are never just physical—they’re emotional, mental, and psychological hurdles that test an athlete’s willpower as much as their body. For Guidry, the road ahead will be grueling. From physical therapy to rebuilding timing, strength, and explosiveness, the process will require a full commitment. But if there’s anyone on this LSU roster built for that challenge, it’s him. He’s a worker, a grinder, and someone teammates look to in the most pressure-packed moments. If there’s even a sliver of a chance that he returns in 2026, LSU will welcome him with open arms and likely build much of its game plan around his presence.
As for the rest of the 2025 season, LSU must now pivot. The coaching staff will likely explore multiple infield configurations in Guidry’s absence, possibly giving younger players a chance to step into bigger roles. It’s a trial by fire, but that’s often how stars are born. Still, there’s no replacing someone like Gavin Guidry. His combination of defensive ability, game awareness, and leadership will be sorely missed. The Tigers will have to rely on their depth, veteran presence, and coaching ingenuity to stay competitive down the stretch.
From a draft perspective, things become even murkier. Prior to the injury, Guidry was considered a mid-round MLB Draft prospect with room to rise depending on how he finished the season. Scouts loved his glove, appreciated his baseball instincts, and were beginning to take note of his developing bat. Now, however, teams will proceed cautiously. Medical evaluations, private workouts, and interviews will likely carry more weight in determining his draft position. If he slides, that might be even more incentive to return to LSU, rehab fully, and give scouts a complete picture in 2026.
The emotional toll on the LSU clubhouse is real. Guidry wasn’t just a talented shortstop—he was a tone-setter, someone who led by example and carried himself with professionalism and grit. His injury is a gut punch for a team that already had question marks surrounding its depth and postseason ceiling. But adversity has a way of forging unity, and if there’s one silver lining, it’s that this could galvanize the Tigers into rallying around each other even more.
Fans are understandably devastated. Social media has been flooded with support for Guidry, with hashtags like #ComeBackStronger and #GeauxGavin trending in Baton Rouge circles. It’s a testament to how much he meant to the fan base and how deeply his presence resonated with the LSU faithful. Whether it was a diving stop in the gap, a gritty at-bat with two outs, or a quiet moment encouraging a teammate, Guidry represented everything LSU baseball stands for.
As the weeks unfold and LSU attempts to salvage its season, all eyes will be on Guidry’s recovery and the choices he makes in the coming months. Will he hear his name called in the MLB Draft and take that leap, trusting that the foundation he laid at LSU will carry him to the next level? Or will he choose the path less traveled—returning to Baton Rouge, leading once more, and writing one final chapter with the Tigers?
Only Gavin Guidry can answer that. But one thing is certain: he won’t walk that path alone. LSU fans, teammates, and coaches will be with him every step of the way. And whether 2026 includes his name on the Tigers’ roster or on a professional depth chart, there’s no doubt he’s already left an indelible mark on this program.
For now, the Tigers must regroup. The season continues, the games march on, and the SEC won’t get any easier. But through the noise, through the pain, and through the uncertainty, the legacy of Gavin Guidry will serve as both a rallying cry and a reminder of what this team is fighting for. His absence may be felt on the field—but his presence, spirit, and influence will echo in the dugout, the locker room, and in every pitch LSU throws the rest of the way.