The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team has secured a major offensive addition for 2026, with former Southern Illinois catcher John Lemm announcing his transfer to Tuscaloosa on Monday via Instagram.
Lemm, who hails from Brisbane, Australia, was a standout junior last season, blasting 19 home runs and driving in 56 runs while batting .272. He also demonstrated impressive plate discipline, walking 45 times compared to just 36 strikeouts, resulting in a stellar 1.104 OPS.
Earlier reports suggested Lemm might transfer to West Virginia, but he instead chose Alabama, where he immediately upgrades a catching group that struggled offensively in 2025. Last season’s primary catchers, LSU transfer Brady Neal and former Ole Miss catcher Will Plattner, combined for just four home runs and 64 strikeouts, though they drove in 32 runs between them.
Alabama’s depth at catcher was thin this past year, with injuries like Luke Vaughn’s offseason shoulder surgery limiting options. All three catchers from the 2025 roster—Neal, Plattner, and Vaughn—are eligible to return, but Lemm’s arrival makes for a crowded and competitive room heading into 2026. Notably, Lemm’s 19 home runs last season would’ve led the Crimson Tide lineup by one.
With the deadline for players to enter the transfer portal fast approaching, Alabama’s catcher battle will be one to watch, as Lemm looks to secure a spot either behind the plate or possibly as the team’s designated hitter next season.
Power-Hitting Catcher John Lemm Transfers to Alabama, Boosts Crimson Tide Lineup
