District On Deck
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Washington Nationals: Minor League Primer

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 12: A Washington Nationals hat and glove sit in the dugout during the Nationals and Cincinnati Reds opening day game at Nationals Park on April 12, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 12: A Washington Nationals hat and glove sit in the dugout during the Nationals and Cincinnati Reds opening day game at Nationals Park on April 12, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Single A – Hagerstown Suns

Single A, the lowest full-season level of minor league baseball, is where the Hagerstown Suns ply their trade. And yet another team that Washington Nationals have that’s loaded with good young prospects.

Usually regarded as the first big stop on a prospects path to the big leagues, given the gauntlet of a full baseball season from April until August. And they will be hoping some of the star names this year will rise to the occasion.

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Despite missing the playoffs last season, they had a couple really memorable moments. They set the South Atlantic League record for number of hits in a single game, with 30. And they even had a game that finished in a 5-5 tie. As a Brit, I’m particular fond of that tidbit.

Main Attraction: Juan Soto

Rated the second best prospect in the Nationals system, and 29th best in baseball according to mlb.com. Juan Soto is ready to keep ascending through the minors for the Nats.

He’s hit an absurd .357 with a .950 OPS since signing with the Washington Nationals in mid-July 2016. And he’s primed himself for a quick rise through the organization.

However, the one point to make with Soto is that he has yet to have a fully healthy season so far in his career. Hamstring, ankle and hamate injuries have prevented a potentially more impressive stat line from the young Dominican. But if he can put these behind him, the minor leagues need to watch out.

Keep an eye on: Yasel Antuna

In a very similar mold to Juan Soto, Yasel Antuna has shown a great eye at the plate in his first year with the Nationals. Now he looks to transfer the success he had last year to full season baseball.

The young shortstop hit to the tune of a .301 batting average last year. But what stands out is the fact he only struck out four more times than he walked. For his age to have that good a feel for the strike-zone is very impressive.

Next: Our conversation with ESPN's Karl Ravech

It’s believed Antuna may well end up at third base later on in his career given his average defense at shortstop. But either way, his excellent approach to hitting looks like it will get him to the major-leagues in the not to distant future.

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