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Washington Nationals: The organization’s best prospect at each position

By Blake Finney

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 28: The Washington Nationals logo on one of the practice fields at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches prior to a spring training game against the Houston Astros on February 28, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 28: The Washington Nationals logo on one of the practice fields at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches prior to a spring training game against the Houston Astros on February 28, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals Victor Rolb
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Center Field – Victor Robles

Next up: Gage Canning, Rafael Bautista, Armond Upshaw

The clear-cut best prospect in the system is still Victor Robles, and he’s now finally expected to get a shot in the big league full-time. Washington Nationals fans have been excited for this moment for a while, and he shouldn’t disappoint.

Robles likely would have already graduated this list if it weren’t for a hyperextended elbow that he suffered early on last season. Thankfully, the outfielder was able to make it back before the end of the season and got a cup of coffee with the major league team to flash his potential to the Nats fans.

In his 21 big league games in 2018, Robles slashed an impressive .288/.348/.525 with three home runs, 10 RBI and three stolen bases. He also displayed good defense in centerfield, though it was clear there was still some refinement needed in that area of his game, with some inefficient routes at times.

Some will remember that the young Dominican was actually ranked above Juan Soto in practically all outlets before last season, with good reason. Robles has the potential to be a five-tool stud with a possible MVP-level ceiling if everything goes right for him. He’s already the NL Rookie of the Year favorite and could be a star for years to come in the bigs.

Elsewhere in the minors, Gage Canning got his pro career off to a nice start with a bit more power than expected last year. The Nats also have a pair of somewhat forgotten speedsters in Rafael Bautista and Armond Upshaw who both profile as no-power all-speed prospects.

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