The following wave of Nationals has already began to succeed in the most important leagues. James Wooden is locked into the outfield, leaving Dylan Crews because the highest-ranking prospect. Behind him, there are two intriguing pitchers in Jarlin Susana and Travis Sykora, and one high-profile bat in Brady Home. After that, the farm system thins out dramatically with numerous unknowns within the gamers that comply with. Washington is hoping that a number of of their current worldwide free-agent signings will take the following step in 2025 to assist add depth to this farm system.
This text is a part of a collection specializing in every MLB staff’s high 20 prospects for fantasy baseball heading into the 2025 season. Keep tuned for prospect breakdowns for all 30 groups all through January right here at Pitcher Record, and you’ll want to take a look at all our revealed items within the collection.
High Nationals Prospects
The High Tier
1) Dylan Crews – OF, 22 YO
2024 MiLB Stats (AA/AAA): .270 AVG | .342OBP | .451 SLG | 13 HR | 25 SB | 20.5 Ok% | 8.0 BB%
2024 MLB Stats: .218 AVG | .288OBP | .353 SLG | 3 HR | 12 SB | 19.7 Ok% | 8.3 BB%
After a standout collegiate profession with LSU, Dylan Crews entered the Nationals group with excessive expectations. As many prospects from the highest of the put up large minor league numbers, the begin to Crews’ profession began to really feel like a disappointment. This nevertheless to no fault of his personal. Crews performed nicely in his skilled debut again in 2023 and continued this success in 2024. In 608 minor league plate appearances, Crews hit .275 with 18 residence runs and 29 stolen bases. The Nationals noticed sufficient to advertise Crews to the most important leagues to finish 2024. They are going to now depend on him and former prospect James Wooden as cornerstone items for years to come back.
For dynasty managers, Crews could not ever end because the 1.01 participant in fantasy. That doesn’t make him a bust. Crews has glorious pace and has proven a willingness to run early in his skilled profession. His 600 PA tempo within the main leagues final season was 55 stolen bases. Any participant with that form of pace upside is an prompt asset for fantasy managers. From an influence standpoint, Crews lacks the batted ball information to venture as a giant energy risk. He profiles for 18-20 residence runs per season however when paired with 40+ stolen bases it’s straightforward to comprehend his offensive upside. Crews is a big dynasty asset that fantasy managers will have the ability to depend on for years to come back.
2) Jarlin Susana – SP, 20 YO
2024 Stats (A/A+): 103.2 IP | 4.34 ERA | 35.4 Ok% | 10.8 BB%
Jarlin Susana was thrust into the limelight when he was included as a part of the Juan Soto commerce with San Diego. At simply 18 years outdated, Susana was already hitting triple-digits persistently with one of many liveliest arms in all of minor league baseball. The problem on the time of the commerce was Susana was a thrower, not a pitcher. What does that imply? Susana had glorious stuff however had no thought the place it was going. This led to walks and posed a big risk to maneuver him into the bullpen. Flash ahead a few years to now and Susana has developed into one of many recreation’s premier pitching prospects. Throughout his remaining 16 begins of 2024, Susana regarded like a distinct pitcher. He posted a 2.79 ERA whereas strolling simply 9.3% of the batters he confronted.
As Susana’s management has improved, his stuff nonetheless stays elite. He options two completely different fastballs that each profile as plus choices. His four-seam sits at 100 on the gun with the flexibility to the touch 103. He incorporates a two-seam/sinker that will get good arm-side run and in addition sits within the higher 90s. If Susana’s two plus fastballs weren’t sufficient, he additionally mixes in a grimy slider and a changeup that will get glorious drop down within the zone. Each pitch in Susana’s arsenal is a plus providing. He has the strikeout upside that fantasy managers dream of. Sure, there’s nonetheless some aid threat. Susana has by no means pitched deeper than 5 innings, and he works solely out of the stretch. Nevertheless, few pitchers in minor league baseball possess the form of upside that Susana has.
3) Travis Sykora – SP, 20 YO
2024 Stats (A): 85 IP | 2.33 ERA | 39.2 Ok% | 8.2 BB%
The Nationals’ third-round decide from 2023 put up dominant numbers in his first skilled season. The 6’6″ righty pitched your complete 12 months at Low-A ending with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.87 FIP. Sykora elevated his fantasy enchantment by hanging out 39.2% of batters he confronted whereas additionally managing to restrict the free passes. Sykora’s arsenal is comprised of three pitches. His fastball sits 93-94 and doesn’t generate a lot motion. His large body helps the pitch to play up as Sykora will get downhill on the mound shortly. The place Sykora makes a reputation for himself are his breaking pitches. He incorporates a slider and splitter each sitting 83-85. His slider dives down and away to righties whereas his splitter additionally dives down however breaks in on righties’ arms. Each are plus choices though he instructions the splitter higher.
One of many surprises from final season was the staff’s choice to not transfer Sykora to Excessive-A at any level. With solely three pitches and mediocre fastball velocity, it’s truthful to marvel how his stuff will play in opposition to more durable competitors. Sykora additionally has some aid threat in his supply. Each his windup and stretch choices are very related, though the peak of his plant leg differs on occasion. Creating extra consistency in his supply is a key step to his improvement. For dynasty managers, Sykora’s 2024 season mustn’t go unnoticed. His breaking pitches give him important strikeout upside and his management might permit him to maneuver shortly in 2025.
4) Brady Home – 3B, 21 YO
2024 Stats (AA/AAA): .241 AVG | .297 OBP | .402 SLG | 19 HR | 6 SB | 26.4 Ok% | 5.7 BB%
Anytime a 6’4″ shortstop will get drafted within the first spherical, dynasty managers take discover. Even after a shift to 3rd base, Home has been a coveted dynasty asset since being drafted by the Nationals eleventh total in 2021. His energy projection is critical and Home lastly appeared to place issues collectively final season. After a earlier excessive of 12 residence runs, Home hit 19 between Double and Triple-A in 2024. This can be a nice signal for dynasty managers as Home’s fantasy worth depends on his residence run totals. Home doesn’t have a lot pace and doesn’t venture to be a risk to run. As well as, Home’s hit instrument is suspect at greatest. Not solely is Home extraordinarily aggressive, however he additionally struggles to make constant contact.
Home’s present strategy on the plate will increase the probability of him struggling early on on the main league stage. Main league pitchers haven’t any drawback exploiting aggressive batters with holes of their swing. That being stated, there’s upside to Home’s profile. His residence run charge has been above-average all through his time within the minor leagues. A superb ceiling comp for Home is Austin Riley. Riley additionally struggled with strikeouts early in his skilled profession earlier than turning into one of many recreation’s premier energy hitters. Home has plenty of similarities however there isn’t a telling whether or not or not his improvement can be as a lot of a hit.
5) Seaver King – 2B/SS/3B, 21 YO
2024 Stats (A): .295 AVG | .367 OBP | .385 SLG | 0 HR | 10 SB | 14.4 Ok% | 10.0 BB%
After enjoying his first two collegiate seasons at Wingate College, Seaver King going within the high ten picks was not on many bingo boards. Nevertheless, a wonderful remaining season at Wake Forest led to the Nationals making an under-slot decide to take King this previous season. Pure athleticism is one in all King’s greatest traits. He has expertise enjoying all around the diamond and performs each place nicely. King performed all 20 of his skilled video games at shortstop though he tasks higher at second base long-term. Defensive versatility is all the time beneficial for main league groups and will assist King transfer shortly by the minor leagues.
For dynasty managers, King’s greatest fantasy instrument can be his pace. King is fast on the bases and stole 10 baggage in simply 20 video games after being drafted. His pace and baseball IQ result in a future stolen base projection of 30+. On the plate, King has fast arms and makes use of a small leg kick to enhance his timing. His strategy on the plate wants some changes, but when he can develop a bit extra persistence, his hit instrument may even be a plus attribute. Whereas King has common uncooked energy, his present batted ball information suggests his recreation energy can be underwhelming. King doesn’t pull the ball sufficient or get it within the air persistently sufficient to venture for above-average pop. A good future projection is a .260 common with 15 homers and 30ish stolen bases. Bryson Stott is an efficient future comp for what King might grow to be.
6) Angel Feliz – SS/3B, 18 YO
2024 Stats (DSL): .310 AVG | .381 OBP | .468 SLG | 4 HR | 27 SB | 18.6 Ok% | 10.8 BB%
When evaluating worldwide free agent prospects, athleticism and projectability are key indicators of a future high prospect. Angel Feliz actually has each of these qualities. The 17-year-old 6’3″ shortstop signed with the Nationals out of the Dominican Republic this previous season. Feliz put up sturdy numbers in his debut season slashing .310/.381/.468/ He hit 4 residence runs and stole 27 bases. Feliz performed solely shortstop within the DSL however 15 errors in 46 begins signifies a future place change is probably going.
Even assuming a shift to 3rd base, there’s a lot to love in Feliz’s profile. His stolen base totals are prone to decelerate as he matures, however there’s nonetheless plus pace right here. Past that, there’s loads of energy for Feliz to develop into. At present, Feliz’s batting stance is loud. An open stance, a leg kick, and lively arms all play a component. Whereas this led to some loud contact, it additionally resulted in a excessive floor ball charge and excessive swinging strike charge. The Nationals will seemingly look to quiet Feliz’s stance within the coming years to assist develop his hit instrument. If dynasty managers are on the lookout for unknown energy/pace prospects, Feliz ought to be on the high of many lists. Feliz is way from a completed product, however there’s a lot to dream on.
7) Cade Cavalli – SP, 26 YO
2024 Stats (CPX/A+): 8.1 IP | 2.16 ERA | 41.9 Ok% | 16.1 BB%
For years, Cade Cavalli was the Nationals’ high pitching prospect. The previous first-round decide from 2020 routinely confirmed flashes of brilliance within the minor leagues however struggled with consistency all through his skilled profession. He made one begin with the Nationals towards the top of 2022 however was shut down and finally underwent Tommy John surgical procedure in spring coaching of 2023. Cavalli missed the whole thing of the 2023 season and pitched simply 8.1 innings this previous 12 months earlier than being shut down with lifeless arm. Almost two misplaced seasons later, Cavalli is reportedly wholesome once more and prepared for spring coaching coming into 2025. At this level, it’s truthful to marvel what Cavalli will appear like on the mound.
Now 26, Cavalli isn’t any spring rooster. Nevertheless, his stuff nonetheless creates intrigue for dynasty managers. The final time Cavalli was absolutely wholesome, his four-seam was averaging 95 mph on the gun with a very good really feel for his curveball, changeup, and slider. There may be upside right here, however who is aware of how a lot of that Cavalli has left. He represents a lottery ticket for dynasty managers. He in all probability is not going to price that a lot to accumulate and has potential, however the probability of him turning right into a dependable fantasy asset might be low.
Prospects Dynasty Managers Ought to Know
8) Yohandy Morales – 3B, 23 YO
2024 MiLB Stats (A/AA): .283 AVG | .368 OBP | .416 SLG | 7 HR | 5 SB | 22.8 Ok% | 10.4 BB%
After hitting 38 residence runs in his remaining two seasons at Miami, Yohandy Morales was considered to have among the greatest uncooked pop within the 2023 draft class. Morales struggled out of the gate this season, finally struggling a thumb harm that price him over two months of motion. Nevertheless, Morales returned to slash .324/.416/.482 throughout his remaining 161 plate appearances. Morales’ energy is legit and his .308 batting common by his first 498 skilled plate appearances is nothing to scoff at.
9) Alex Clemmey – SP, 19 YO
2024 Stats (A): 92.1 IP | 4.58 ERA | 31.5 Ok% | 16.1 BB%
Alex Clemmey’s touchdown with the Guardians felt like a dream come true for dynasty managers who had been enthusiastic about his projectability and stuff. Clemmey owns a mid to upper-90s fastball from the left aspect and a slider that may make opposing batters look foolish. Sadly, each with Cleveland after which with Washington, Clemmey struggled to regulate his stuff in his first skilled season. Clemmey walked over 16% of batters though his strikeout charge was over 30%. There may be loads of upside right here, but in addition loads of improvement left for Washington to assist Clemmey work by.
10) Tyler Stuart – SP, 25 YO
2024 Stats (AA/AAA): .122.1 IP | 4.12 ERA | 25.9 Ok% | 7.1 BB%
The Nationals acquired Tyler Stuart from the Mets at this previous commerce deadline. Standing at 6’9″, Stuart repeats his supply surprisingly nicely however lacks any spectacular extension on his pitches. Each his sinker and four-seam hover round 94 mph and his slider generated a whiff charge of 36% in Triple-A final season. Stuart is extra of a pitch-to-contact pitcher decreasing his fantasy ceiling. He tasks as a mid-to-back of the rotation man for Washington and can maintain some fantasy enchantment relying on his matchups. Count on to see Stuart within the Main Leagues subsequent season.
11) Luke Dickerson – SS, 19 YO
2024 Stats: DNP
The Nationals chosen Luke Dickerson forty fourth total on this previous draft. Like many children from the Northeast, there’s much less information and perception into his recreation than another highschool prospects, however the Nationals clearly favored what they noticed and wound up giving him a record-setting $3.8 million. Dickerson has the prospect to become plus energy along with his already plus pace giving him an intriguing profile for dynasty managers.
12) Victor Hurtado – OF, 17 YO
2024 Stats (DSL): .218 AVG | .310 OBP | .331 SLG | 3 HR | 3 SB | 21.3 Ok% | 11.0 BB%
Victor Hurtado was one of many highest-ranked prospects from final 12 months’s worldwide signing class. The 6’3″ outfielder struggled in his first style {of professional} motion ending the DSL with a 76 wRC+. Nonetheless solely 17, there’s loads of time for Hurtado to develop right into a related dynasty asset. He has good pace and glorious uncooked energy, leaving his hit instrument as the largest query mark.
13) Daylen Lile – OF, 22 YO
2024 Stats (A+/AA): .262 AVG | .347 OBP | .388 SLG | 6 HR | 25 SB | 17.3 Ok% | 9,6 BB%
Not each prospect is a famous person and that appears to be the case for Daylen Lile. Lile has posted sturdy numbers in his skilled profession, however watching him play, there’s not a lot left by way of projection. He has underwhelming energy and his pace doesn’t profile to be game-changing. Lile is a strong prospect with a very good hit instrument, however there’s not an excessive amount of to get overly enthusiastic about.
14) Robert Hassell III – OF, 23 YO
2024 Stats (A+/AA/AAA): .241 AVG | .319 OBP | .328 SLG | 5 HR | 15 SB | 21.0 Ok% | 9.7 BB%
There’s a chance that Robert Hassell’s previous prospect pedigree has saved him ranked too extremely but once more. Hassell has by no means been in a position to develop his recreation energy the way in which many thought he might. He nonetheless has plus pace, however even his hit instrument stays a priority. Hassell hit .213 with zero residence runs in opposition to lefties final season and doesn’t profile as far more than a fourth outfielder at this level.
15) Elijah Inexperienced – OF, 21 YO
2024 Stats (A): .208 AVG | .293 OBP | .355 SLG | 13HR | 39 SB | 44.0 Ok% | 9.8 BB%
Elijah Inexperienced is the poster baby for why it is probably not a very good factor to be labeled as a “super-athletic” prospect. Nothing is flawed with athleticism, however labels like which might be typically used to cowl up flaws in a participant’s recreation. In Inexperienced’s case, that’s his hit instrument. Inexperienced struck out 44% of the time final season which is consistent with his numbers as knowledgeable. His spectacular uncooked energy and glorious pace are irrelevant if he doesn’t repair his hit instrument quickly.
The Subsequent 5
Though these prospects don’t crack the highest 15, dynasty managers ought to preserve their eye on these 5 gamers.
Andry Lara – 22 YO- A command-over-stuff pitcher whose strikeout charge dropped from 32% in Excessive-A all the way down to 22% in Double-A.
Cayden Wallace – 23 YO- A 3rd baseman who does plenty of the little issues nicely however doesn’t profile to be an impactful fantasy asset in the long term.
Brad Lord – 24 YO- Sinker ball pitcher who dominated Double-A this previous 12 months however has an underwhelming fastball that profiles to wrestle in opposition to main league batters.
Andrew Pinckney – 24 YO – 6’4″ outfielder who struggles to get the ball within the air persistently and has posted poor contact abilities in his transient main league profession.
Jose Feliz – 19 YO – An unknown pitching prospect with an athletic body who posted sturdy numbers within the DSL this previous season.
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