Dylan

Lesko

Lesko has struggled to the tune of a 6.46 ERA with 52 walks over 69 2/3 innings, but he’s a first-round selection from 2022 who has shown swing-and-miss stuff as seen in his 79 strikeouts over that time. Tampa Bay has done wonders with these types of profiles, and he’s worth roster consideration in keeper/dynasty formats.

What the Padres are getting for Lesko is unknown, but it’s likely a return to help San Diego’s MLB club. Lesko, 20, is a 2022 first-round pick who has registered a 6.46 ERA and a 79/52 K/BB ratio over 69 2/3 inning. While the ERA and walks are troubling, the stuff is there for Lesko to someday be a frontline starting pitcher.

Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline reports that Lesko will receive a $3.9 million signing bonus, which is just a shade below the $4.09 million slot value for the 15th overall selection. It’s regarded as the highest bonus ever for a prep arm who had Tommy John elbow reconstructive surgery leading up to the MLB Draft. The 18-year-old righty is one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the entire draft class from a long-term fantasy perspective.

Lesko might have been a candidate to be the first ever high school right-hander to be the first pick of a draft if not for the fact that he underwent Tommy John surgery in April. The 18-year-old has a fastball that can get up to 97 mph with the potential for more along with a strong curveball, but the out-pitch here is a change that might be 80-grade on the 20-80 scouting scale with its tumbling movement and terrific arm-speed. He throws all of his pitches for strikes very well for any age, but especially a teenager. Lesko’s injury provides risk, but the stuff/command profile gives him as much reward as any hurler in this class by a considerable margin.