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Washington Nationals: Top 40 Prospects

By Frank Ellis

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 13: Josiah Gray #40 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on August 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 13: Josiah Gray #40 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on August 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 11: General mananger Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals speaks to the media before game four of the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on October 11, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

31. Drew Mendoza

Mendoza is in a similar vein as many on this list, he is a successful college bat that has yet to have that transfer to the pros. He had a terrible time in AA this year and after moving back to High A Wilmington the struggles have continued for the most part, He has been unable to hit consistently and only shown power here and there. Many had high hopes for the corner infielder, but he will need to improve or risk being a career minor leaguer.

32. Randy Lara

Randy Lara was signed in 2021 and compared to the others that were signed that month he was a relatively quiet signing. Lara made his debut in the Nationals system soon after his signing and has done very well. He has appeared in 4 games and pitched a total of 18 innings. Over that time he has struck out 19 and given up only 3 runs. He was named the Nationals minor league pitcher of the month in July. He might be a little high on this list, but if he continues this success he will continue to rise. The dreams of a Randy and Andry Lara pairing are very exciting.

33. Darren Baker

In 2017 the Nationals drafted Darren Baker in the 27th round out of high school but were unable to sign him as he chose to go to Cal for college. They tried again this year in the 10th round and they were able to sign the son of Dusty Baker. Darren is a toolsy infielder that had a great 2021 at Cal where he hit .327 and stole 28 bags. He is already a part of baseball history as he was saved by JT Snow at home plate of the 2002 World Series, but the Nats hope he can add to that with a Curly W on his chest.

34. Holden Powell

Powell is another guy that has late-inning upside. He was drafted out of UCLA and already has the pitches to be a solid reliever. He has missed most of 2021 due to injury, but if he can stay healthy and master his control he will be a part of the Nationals bullpen someday.

35. Tim Cate

This is a name that is much higher on many lists, but he just does not have the upside that many others on this list have. He has a great curveball and solid control but that can only take him so far. He screams long relief at best to me and each passing start confirms that this year. He has dealt with some health issues and that could be the cause of the steps backward he has taken. He will need to get back on track soon if he hopes to factor into the Nationals rotation any time soon.

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