Dylan Lesko Headlines Prospect Haul In Rays-Padres Jason Adam Trade
Image credit: Dylan Lesko (Photo by Bill Mitchell)
Sunday’s trade deadline dealings started with a bang, as the the Padres acquired Rays bullpen ace Jason Adam for a package of three Top 30 Prospects. The sizable return for Adam includes the Padres’ former first round draft pick and No. 5 prospect Dylan Lesko, No. 8 prospect J.D. Gonzalez and No.12 prospect Homer Bush.
Lesko’s inclusion is particularly notable given his prospect pedigree. The Padres drafted him No. 15 overall two years ago and signed him to a $3.9 million bonus. He entered the season ranked as the No. 38 prospect in baseball, but fell out of the list as he continues to fight his command and control.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, was on our radar prior to the season as a prospect of note, although he’s scuffled a bit in Low-A this year.
RAYS RECEIVE
Dylan Lesko, RHP
Age: 20
It’s been an uneven beginning to Lesko’s professional career, as he’s dealt with injuries and command woes. Lesko flashes plus stuff, but has been unable to find the zone in 2024, resulting in a 16.5% walk rate. Lesko still flashes above-average stuff with a four-seam fastball that sits 93-94 mph and averages 19 inches of ride with 8-10 inches of horizontal break. Lesko’s changeup is his best secondary, and he also mixes in a mid-80s gyro slider and mid-70s curveball. He has has shown the ability to miss bats with his secondaries, but fastball command has been a major stumbling block.
JD Gonzalez, C
Age: 18
Gonzalez was drafted out of Puerto Rico in the third round of the 2023 draft. He struggled in his professional debut at Low-A Lake Elsinore, hitting just .205/.322/.230 over 48 games. Still young at 18 years old, Gonzalez has projectable power with a knack for elevating the ball on his best contact. Gonzalez’s selling point is his strong defense behind the plate, earning above-average grades on his glove and double-plus grades on his throwing arm.
Homer Bush Jr., OF
Age: 22
The son of former big leaguer Homer Bush, Bush Jr. boasts an 80-grade running ability and a centerfield skillset in the outfield. At the plate, he is a skilled contact hitter with above-average bat-to-ball skills, a solid approach and the ability to wreck havoc on the base paths. At the time of the trade Bush, was hitting .272/.362/.347 with 4 home runs and 43 stolen bases. He is a strong athlete with potential to provide contact, above-average defense and speed on the bases in the coming years.
PADRES RECEIVE
Jason Adam, RHP
Age: 32
Over the last three seasons, Adam has been one of the most valuable and productive relievers in baseball. Since 2022, he ranks fourth in opponent batting average, eighth in ERA and 25th in K-BB%. Adam is making just $2.7 million in 2024 and has two remaining years of control. Beyond his production and low cost, Adam has shown the ability to handle regular work, as he’s exceeded 50 or more appearances in each of the last two seasons.
