Washington Nationals: Daniel Johnson bringing power to Potomac

One of the biggest surprises in the Washington Nationals farm system is outfielder Daniel Johnson, who has kept his power going in Potomac.

When the Washington Nationals promoted outfielder Victor Robles to Double-A Harrisburg on July 24, they also promoted another outfielder to his spot to High-A Potomac. That player is outfielder Daniel Johnson, who has been one of the best, if not the best, Nats power hitters in the minors this year.

Since being promoted to Potomac, Johnson has a slash line of .389/.400/.630 with three home runs and eight RBI’s. Out of those 12 games, he has six multi-hit games, including three three-hit performances.

Earlier this week, I had the chance to talk to Johnson before Potomac took on Lynchburg and here is what he told me about how he has adjusted to Carolina League pitching so far:

“It’s been pretty good. I’m not trying to overthink it. I’m just trying to keep the same approach I had coming from Hagerstown and apply it here to the Carolina League. It’s going pretty good so far.”

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When he was at Hagerstown, Johnson was one of the best home run hitters in the South Atlantic League. In 88 games, he hit 17 home runs, drove in 52 runs, and had a slugging percentage of .529. This all comes after hitting only one home run in 62 games with Short-Season Auburn last year.

“Having better plate discipline and waiting for my pitch,” replied Johnson about the main difference in his power numbers this year. “I hit a couple home runs in college, so the power’s been there. It’s a matter of getting comfortable and having good at-bats.”

During his time with the Suns, Johnson was versatile in terms of where he could bat in the lineup. He hit in every spot in the lineup except for fourth and sixth. So far, with Potomac, the 22-year-old had hit in the top two spots of the order. One of my questions to him was does the approach change at the plate depending upon where he hits in the lineup?

“I don’t think about it too much,” said Johnson. “As far as approach goes, it doesn’t really change. You keep the same approach and hit the ball.”

It’s been an interesting year for the Washington Nationals lower levels of the farm system because four players were traded (Mick VanVossen, McKenzie Mills, Tyler Watson, and Sheldon Neuse) to help the big league club. Johnson was teammates with all four of those players at some point this year.

“I was close to Sheldon and Mills and I came into the draft with those guys. Seeing them go, it was good for them, but we will always keep in touch,” replied Johnson about his time with those players.

Johnson has stood out for his power this year, but he has also shown good speed on the bases. In 99 games, he has 14 stolen bases in 23 attempts. Due to that success, he rose up MLB Pipeline’s rankings of the top Nats prospects from 29^th all the way up to 10^th.

This week, he has had the chance to play with Michael Taylor, who is currently on a rehab assignment. Johnson said that “he looked forward to playing with him and to see what he does on the field, learn from each other, and incorporate that into my game.”

Next: Possible August starting pitching targets

We thank Daniel Johnson for taking the time and if you get a chance to watch him in Potomac, go out to the ballpark to see his power in action.

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One of the biggest surprises in the Washington Nationals farm system is outfielder Daniel Johnson, who has kept his power going in Potomac.

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