Phillies Draft Targets: RHP Dylan Lesko

Jun 2, 2022

With the MLB First-Year Player Draft just over six weeks away, it is time to get familiar with some prospects the Phillies could have their eyes on in the first round. The Phillies pick in the middle of the first round at 17th overall. They have picked at 17 twice before, in 1976 and 2002. In 1976, they selected Jeff Kraus, a shortstop from Lakewood High School in California. Kraus never reached the majors and was out of baseball after five years, never reaching higher than AA. In 2002, the Phillies struck gold with LHP Cole Hamels. Hamels went on to win a World Series, World Series MVP, four-time All-Star (three with PHI), and been involved in two no-hitters throughout his career.

We have previously looked at Prep right-hander Brock Porter and where he could be taken in the draft. Today, we look at another Prep arm, RHP Dylan Lesko. Lesko is committed to Vanderbilt (more on that later), attends Buford High School in Georgia, and stands at 6’2”. Lesko is the first player ever to win the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Georgia as a junior in high school when he won the award in 2021. He won 11 games and lost none and posted a minuscule ERA of 0.35 in 60 innings. He struck out 112 batters over those 60 IP which translates to a 16.8 K/9.

Lesko has a three-pitch mix of fastball, changeup, and curveball. His fastball was 92-95 and topped at 97 this year. Scouts have claimed that his changeup is the best in the draft as it features sideways action to go along with its low 80s velocity. The curve is the pitch he needs to work on most, yet his spin rate on it indicates it could also be a weapon for him in the future.

Lesko has simple mechanics and strong delivery. His delivery and mechanics also allow him to generate velocity and locate extremely well. His 70-grade changeup and 60-grade fastball make him a lower-tier ace and top-tier second starter when it all comes together for him. Lesko also has a great feel for pitching. He knows how to get guys out without having his best stuff. He is a very mature pitcher for his age as well. He draws comparisons to Reds’ starter Luis Castillo and Phillies’ starter Aaron Nola.

Going back to his commitment to Vanderbilt, he will likely honor it. Lesko underwent Tommy John surgery in April, keeping him out until at least late 2023 but likely 2024. This injury doesn’t make him undraftable, but it does make him slide down teams’ boards a good number of spots. If he doesn’t like the idea of slipping a few rounds, he should honor his commitment to Vanderbilt. His signing bonus (which can make or break the deal), will not be as high as it would have been if he were healthy.

Phillies Draft Targets: RHP Dylan Lesko

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