Throughout the 2024 season, no Nationals prospect raised their inventory greater than 20 yr outdated proper handed pitcher Travis Sykora. Whereas he was solely a 3rd spherical decide, the Nats gave Sykora a 2.6 million greenback bonus, greater than double the 1.02 million greenback slot worth. The Nationals braintrust was clearly excessive on Sykora, however his season went higher than they even anticipated.
Sykora outclassed his low-A contest all season lengthy. In 20 begins, he posted a 2.33 ERA in 85 innings. Much more spectacular was his 129 strikeouts in comparison with solely 27 walks this season. Sykora demonstrated a mixture of overwhelming stuff and strong command. He appeared extra farm extra superior than most highschool pitchers of their first skilled season. Sykora would have been able to performing in high-A, however the Nationals didn’t wish to rush the teen.
Travis Sykora is the prototypical Texan flamethrower. The Spherical Rock, Texas native is a commanding presence on the mound, with an enormous 6’6 232 pound body. Whereas he has a cool supply with quite a lot of transferring components, he manages to repeat it and throws loads of strikes. His fastball has hit the triple digits prior to now, however he largely sat within the mid-90’s this season. Nonetheless, he can get it into the higher 90’s when he must.
Sykora pairs his plus fastball with two above common secondary pitches, a slider and a splitter. Whereas splitters have develop into all the fad not too long ago, Sykora has been throwing his lengthy earlier than it was cool. Evaluators are cut up about which pitch is healthier, with some preferring his splitter, and others liking his sweeping slider. Nonetheless, scouts agree each are above common pitches with plus potential.
Sykora appears like the whole package deal proper now. Nonetheless, he might want to show he can dominate larger ranges of the minors. Having solely pitched in low-A, Sykora nonetheless has lots to show. He ought to begin subsequent season in high-A Wilmington, but when he begins nicely, don’t be shocked to see him promoted aggressively. Now that he has gotten his toes moist, don’t be shocked to see the Nationals push him extra aggressively, each by way of innings and promotions.
On his present trajectory, Sykora ought to make his massive league debut someday in 2026. If he has an enormous 2025, a September name up may be attainable. Nonetheless, as we noticed with Cade Cavalli, accidents can derail these plans within the blink of an eye fixed.
As soon as Dylan Crews graduates, Sykora would be the primary prospect within the Nationals system. He has true ace upside, and remains to be simply 20 years outdated. If Sykora has a giant 2025, he has an opportunity to catapult up prospect rankings, and develop into a high 10 prospect. He has the prototypical dimension, massive velocity, high quality secondary pitches, and good command. As of proper now, there isn’t a lot to not like about Sykora. Earlier than that occurs, we might want to see him carry out in opposition to the extra superior hitters he’ll face in high-A and past. Nonetheless, it appears just like the Nationals have a gem on their palms.
