Former Rutgers star Ryan Lasko selected by the Oakland A’s in MLB Draft
After weeks of anticipation, the MLB Draft finally began Sunday night. While players across the country saw their dreams come true, Piscataway had a reason to celebrate. The Oakland Athletics selected former Rutgers star Ryan Lasko with the No. 41 overall pick.
During his time as a Scarlet Knight, Lasko was a force at the plate as he finished his college career with a .314 batting average. The talented outfielder also drove in 135 runs and stole 35 bases. However, his defense is what caught the A’s eye.
“We love the athleticism,” A’s GM David Forst said of Lasko. “Middle-of-the-diamond player who just got better every year. Plus runner, plus outfield defense. Talk about highlights on defense. You can look up some of the plays he made crashing into the wall in center field. A guy that we think is on the up and really helps the athleticism in our system. I’m excited to see him play in person.”
We know one thing for sure. The @Athletics got themselves an absolute DAWG in Ryan Lasko. #TCD pic.twitter.com/XLjchYQqpV
— Rutgers Baseball (@RutgersBaseball) July 10, 2023
In his final year at Rutgers, the New Jersey native was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection after hitting .330 with 11 home runs. His mix of power and speed will be valuable to an A’s team that is currently rebuilding and, in the near future will have a new home in Las Vegas.
Additionally, Lasko finished his college career with an impressive list of accolades. He was the first player in program history to be named to the All-Big Ten First Team twice. During his sophomore season, Lasko was a Rawlings Golden Spikes Award semifinalist. As a result, scouts kept a close eye on him over the last few months.
With the 41st pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, we have selected Ryan Lasko from @RutgersBaseball! pic.twitter.com/2LsJufd4Dn
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) July 10, 2023
Entering the draft, Lasko was ranked as a top 100 prospect by MLB.com. He was the only Rutgers player selected Monday night and joined special company. Lasko became the highest-drafted Scarlet Knight since Todd Frazier was selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the 34th overall pick in 2007.
While Lasko will now be playing on the other side of the country, Rutgers fans in Piscataway who got to see him blossom into a star will be rooting for his success as he begins his professional career.
