Betts: Lascelles looking to use high IQ to fuel lengthy pro career
Toronto Mets and Junior National Team alum Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) starred for the San Diego Padres’ Single-A Lake Elsinore Storm after he was selected by the Padres in the second round of the MLB draft in July. Photo: Lake Elsinore Storm/Facebook
September 29, 2026
By Matt Betts
Canadian Baseball Network
No matter how the 2026 Major League Baseball draft unfolded, Elliot Lascelles was going to be okay with the result.
If he was selected and ultimately signed, he’d be realizing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. If the pick process didn’t work out the way he wanted, he’d head off to Yale University to obtain a prestigious education and play for the Bulldogs.
It was the former that ended up happening when the San Diego Padres took the Toronto Mets infielder with the 60th overall pick in the second round, thanks in part to 2026 Canadian Baseball Network Scout of the Year Chris Kemlo (Oshawa, Ont.).
Like a true professional, Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) was confident in his on-field ability and knew his worth off of it. He inked a $2,800,394 signing bonus shortly after hearing his name called.
“I was really prioritizing academics,” Lascelles said about his mindset ahead of the draft.
“I felt like it had to be a really high selection and a lot to persuade me away from Yale. It ended up happening. I knew I had a great opportunity in Yale, so I think I would’ve been happy either way.”
It was the fall of his Grade 11 year when Lascelles felt the chance of going pro was a possibility. By this past spring, he considered it a “50/50 chance.”
He credits his performance in the MLB Draft League, where he hit .394 with a 1.068 OPS in 44 plate appearances, for helping him further solidify his standing in the eyes of scouts.
“I played really well in the Draft League,” Lascelles said. “That helped me out a lot and it all worked out.”
So far, it appears to be money well spent by the Padres.
In 56 at bats to begin his minor league career, Lascelles slashed .321/.406/.429 with six stolen bases with the eventual Single-A California League champion Lake Elsinore Storm.
It didn’t take long for Lascelles to find his way to Single-A from the Friars’ Arizona complex. Still, it was an adjustment, he said. One that was made easier thanks to his time with the Junior National Team.
“Playing with the Junior National Team, I felt like I had basically 200 at bats at the Arizona Complex League level,” he said. “I got a taste of pro ball with the JNT with the schedule we were on, the competition and the routine. That prepared me to make that next jump.”
Canada isn’t the only team that Lascelles credits for his development.
After being drafted, he spent a week at home before making his way to Arizona. Over the seven days, he attended Mets practices to say goodbye.
It was important for him to do, given the impact the organization had on him.
“It was great, the coaches there were incredible,” Lascelles said. “I went to the Mets in 16U and that’s a bit late for most in the Canadian Premier Baseball League. Defensively, I really improved a lot. They gave me all the resources I needed to become the player I am today.”
While young, Lascelles still doesn’t take the opportunity in front of him for granted.
“I’ve loved baseball ever since I was four years old and being able to do that for a career is amazing,” he said. “Hopefully I can do it for many more years.”