Pittsburgh Pirates: A Look at the Best Draft Prospect Tools

Best Changeup – Dylan Lesko

It’s not often you see a high school pitcher go super early in the draft. There have only been nine high school pitchers taken within the first five draft picks dating back to 2010. However, right-hander Dylan Lesko could find himself as an under-slot selection early into the first round.

Lesko has a nasty changeup. It’s an offering that averages out in the low-80’s with horizontal movement and plenty of depth. It’s a genuinely elite pitch that already could get major league batters out. But that isn’t his only offering. Lesko throws a mid-90’s four-seamer that is already hitting 97 MPH. He can ride his fastball through the zone when he throws it high. However, he can throw it with some sinking action when he needs to get it down. Both his changeup and fastball receive 60+ grades by MLB Pipeline. FanGraphs likes his changeup even more as they put it at a 70. His curveball is also a good pitch. It comes in around the low-70’s with a very high spin rate and loopy motion.

Lesko struck out 112 batters in only 60 innings of work with a sub-0.50 ERA in 2021. In total, over 60% of outs made were strikeouts. He also has displayed an ability to locate as well, so he isn’t just a thrower. FanGraphs already says he’s hitting Chris Paddack-like levels when he’s only 18-years-old. One thing I like seeing is all three of his offerings have distinct movement and speeds.

A great year from Lesko, especially if he can show improvement, can significantly boost his stock. FanGraphs has him at no. 13, while MLB Pipeline has him at no. 9. I don’t think you can entirely rule out Lesko and the Pirates. Last year, the Detroit Tigers selected high school arm, Jackson Jobe, at no. 3 when he was ranked no. 7 by Pipeline and #8 by FanGraphs, which is very similar rankings to Lesko’s.