Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago White Sox New Prospect Profile: Jordan Leasure

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Rob Wegley | Last updated 8/3/23

As part of the Chicago White Sox sell-off ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline, Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly were sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, the Dodgers sent Chicago former White Sox outfielder Trayce Thompson to go along with two pitching prospects. The highlight of the return is Nick Nastrini, a 23-year-old right-handed pitching prospect with front-of-the-rotation starter potential. Still, Jordan Leasure — a 24-year-old righty who is now Chicago's 27th-best prospect — has some tantalizing potential as a high-leverage bullpen piece.

Leasure Could Be a White Sox Bullpen Staple for the Next Decade

With an upper-90s fastball that touches triple digits, it's immediately easy to see how Leasure could impact a major-league bullpen. In addition, the ride on Leasure's fastball almost makes it look even faster than high-90s. As a result, MLB Pipeline gives Leasure an 80 grade for the fastball (I have it at 70, which is still plus-plus stuff). The slider looks legit, too. It is really Leasure's only secondary offering, but it has plus potential to complement his heater.

Leasure is off to a rough start with his White Sox career — he pitched once on Aug. 1 for Triple-A Charlotte and went 0.2 innings, giving up two hits, two walks, two earned runs, and four runs. It was his first-ever appearance at the Triple-A level, so it isn't too much of a cause for concern unless that trend continues.

Prior to joining Chicago's organization, Leasure was cruising through Double-A in the Dodgers' organization. A pure reliever, Leasure made 29 appearances, pitching 35.0 innings, and posted a 3.09 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 39.7 K%. He was having his best season keeping balls on the ground, too, posting a 43.9 GB%.

As you may have expected with a guy touching 100 with the fastball, command is Leasure's biggest area for growth. His BB% was at 11.3 in Double-A this season, and the slider can really get jumped on when it isn't where it needs to be. If the command comes around for Leasure, you're looking at a potential closer or set-up man that can impact a bullpen for many years to come. If not, you still have a guy who can throw 100 with the potential to impact games meaningfully.

Given all the pitching the White Sox sent packing this trade deadline, it isn't impossible to think that Leasure could get a cup of coffee in the majors this season if he gets things under control at Triple-A. If not, Leasure could be up with the White Sox at really any point in 2024.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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