First things first, biographical info on the Dodgers third selection in the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft – right-handed pitcher Jimmy Lewis. Lewis was the 78th overall pick in the draft, a second round compensatory pick for losing Yasmani Grandal in free agency. (Note: The Dodgers forfeited their own second round draft pick by signing free agent outfielder A.J. Pollock)

• Date of birth: November 2, 2000
• Height: 6’ 6”
• Weight: 195 pounds
• Bats and throws: right-handed
• High School: Lake Travis High School, Austin Texas
• College Commitment; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Dodgers covet athletic, projectable high school pitchers and were fortunate to have one of the best in the 2019 draft fall to them as the 78th overall pick. As an 18-year-old senior, Lewis’ fastball was regularly in the low-90’s occasionally reaching 95-mph, with a good curveball, a developing change-up, and is a consistent strike thrower. Scouts believe that as he adds strength, good weight, and benefits from professional coaching, his fastball will become a plus-pitch (perhaps a plus-plus-pitch), a plus-curveball, and at least an average change-up.

There was some variability with the rankings on Lewis for the draft, ranging from MLB Pipeline at number 63, to 31 (Keith Law ESPN) seemingly rising as his fastball velocity increased during the season. Baseball America had Lewis ranked number 54 for the draft, considering him one of the “high-upside arms” from Texas in 2019, but noting that sign-ability may be an issue with his commitment to pitch for the LSU Tigers.

What do the Dodgers think of Lewis? This from Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“He developed into one of our favorite right-hand high school pitchers.”

Dodgers director of amateur scouting Billy Gasparino said this:

“He’s 6–6, 200 pounds. It’s lean, it’s lanky. We feel like he took a huge jump in coordination and his ability to repeat his delivery. He has two plus pitches, 91–95. He locates down in the zone. The curveball is plus. We think he can really spin it, command it and execute it well.

We love the kid’s makeup, work ethic. His dad (Jim) played in the minor leagues up to Triple-A. We love the family. It’s a nice, tight-knit group who has really raised a good kid who we think really mirrors the culture we have here.”

Watching video of Lewis pitching reminds me of another 18-year-old Dodgers third-round draft pick (in 2016) who is also 6′-6″ tall – 21-year-old right-hander Dustin May, who could very well receive a September call-up this season.

Now, if the Dodgers can only make Lewis an offer that will convince him to forego his full-ride scholarship to LSU and instead begin his professional career in Dodger Blue.

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