Washington Nationals: Six players who could break out in 2019
By Blake Finney
Carter Kieboom
As well as Victor Robles, Carter Kieboom feels like another obvious name in this list who is expected to really break out in 2019. The Washington Nationals are hoping he could take the starting job at second base as soon as this summer if his development goes as planned.
While his brother, Spencer Kieboom, was impressing behind the plate with the Nats, younger Carter was steadily raising his prospect status. He’s put himself within striking distance of the big leagues and is already affecting their offseason pursuit of a second baseman.
Kieboom spent 2018 between High-A and Double-A, combining for a .280/.357/.444 slash line,16 homers and 69 RBI. That performance was enough to send him to the highly-regarded Arizona Fall League where he was an All-Star and impressed for the Salt River Rafters.
Notably, at the AFL, Kieboom played second base for the first time as a professional as he hopes to make the transition to the keystone. With Trea Turner locking down shortstop for the foreseeable future, second base is his quickest path to the majors, as soon as this season.
While none of Kieboom’s skills are necessarily “elite”, he possesses plus skills in all five tools and would be an excellent addition to the infield when ready. It will just be a matter of ensuring that his development is complete by the time he is needed by the Nats. Hopefully, we will see him in 2019.