Who is your MLB team’s unsung hero so far this season
By Brad Weiss
San Diego Padres: Joey Luchessi
The San Diego Padres tried to right the ship this offseason, as they spent big money on first baseman Eric Hosmer. Hosmer was considered one of the biggest free agents on the market, and the hope was that having his bat in the lineup would make the Padres a force in the NL West.
Well, Hosmer has had a nice season, but the Padres are putrid again, though help is on the way. San Diego has one of the best farm systems in all of baseball, and you have to think it won’t be long before these kids start performing at a high rate at the Major League level.
In 2018, the Padres are getting contributions from one of their young prospects, as Joey Lucchesi has been dominant in his first season in the big leagues. The left-hander has made 18 starts for San Diego in year one, posting a 3.45 earned run average, while striking out better than a batter per inning.
A product of UPenn, Lucchesi was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Padres, and is actually the first pitcher from that draft class to make it to the Major Leagues. He was the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year twice in a row, and after a quick stint in the minors, he is proving he can do it at the big league level.
In order for San Diego to get their franchise back on track, they have to hope most of their prospects perform like Lucchesi when they get the call. He is a guy who could have a long career with the Padres, as they try to inch their way out of the cellar in the NL West.