Washington Nationals: Top 40 Prospects
By Frank Ellis
36. Joan Adon
Adon is yet another pitching prospect in the Nationals system with good stuff that is just on the edge of putting things together. The Nationals view him as a starter and he has the pitches to be that but he will have to start to see his pre 2021 results soon to have future rotation potential.
37. Drew Millas
It is more of the same with Millas when it comes to his future catching role, he projects as a solid backup catcher. He is slightly younger than Adams, but he is also a few levels behind him in the system. He provides solid defense and some pop as well. I expect one of these two to be traded in the future when the Nationals are ready to make an all-in run again. Good catchers are hard to find and both Millas and Adams have a lot of tools that make a good catcher whether that is a backup or a starter.
38. Ricardo Mendez
Mendez found something in his swing this year and he has done very well at Fredricksburg. He is a talented center fielder that has the speed to stay there. In 2021 he had the longest hit streak in the entire Nationals system and has hit .301/.352/.451 this year. His biggest issue at the plate comes down to pitch selection. He has done better in 2021 making consistent hard contact, but that will need to continue as he moves up the system if he wants to find a role with the big league club.
39. Daniel Marte
Daniel Marte is another young international player for the Nationals. He is 19 years old and although he has yet to show an ability to hit consistently he has a pathway to the bigs. Right now that is as a defense-first 4th outfielder. He has above-average speed and a great arm. In the years to come, he will need to build more of an offensive profile if he wants to be more than that, but a spot on a major league roster isn’t a bad thing no matter how you get there.
40. Jackson Cluff
Jackson Cluff is another player that needs to build up his offensive tools but he can play any infield position well. Give him a glove and he will go out and be a solid infielder. He projects as a bench piece as well and again if he wants to change that he will have to build up his bat.
Honorable Mentions
There is a lot of talent on the list below and they certainly could be higher up on this list come next year.