Drafted in the 14th round (432nd overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021 (signed for $125,000).
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Despite regularly throwing a mid-90s fastball, Leasure has consistently flown under the radar since being drafted by the Dodgers in the 14th round in 2021 after his five-year career at Division II Tampa. He lost one college season to Tommy John surgery but recovered with no lingering issues. Leasure sat in the low 90s in college, but the Dodgers’ pitching development staff helped him add more velocity. Leasure was acquired by the White Sox in the deal that sent Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to the Dodgers.
Scouting Report: Leasure now has a double-plus fastball that sits 95-98 mph and touches 100 and is the jewel of his arsenal. He elevates the pitch, and while it’s relatively straight, it does have solid life up in the zone. He complements his heater with an above-average hard slider that’s just a tick under 90 mph, and he lands it to both sides of the plate. What will help Leasure get to the next level is the recent addition of a curveball that has flashed plus potential and could be a weapon against lefthanded hitters. Leasure works out of the stretch on the third base side of the rubber and maintains rhythm with his three-quarters slot that offers good extension. He’s more of a control-over-command profile, and he’s shown enough improvement that he could be an above-average strike-thrower.
The Future: Leasure may get to Chicago at some point in 2024. He’s been projected as a mid-leverage reliever, but with the potential for elite swing-and-miss stuff, it’s not out of the question to see him closing games.