WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 15: Keibert Ruiz #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the World Team bats against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
In years past, once the calendar flipped to September, teams were free to fill their active rosters up to 40 players, but that’s no longer the case. Established after the 2019 season, the new rules that go into effect for the first time this season, state that active rosters will only expand to 28 players.
With the Nationals amidst a full-blown rebuild, an opportunity to see as many prospects as possible at the big leagues would have been very helpful. Instead, Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez will have to think long and hard about who to call up.
With September just around the corner, the Nationals need to make up their mind on who they want to see receive reps? But which two players should be called up?
He leads all Minor League pitchers in strikeouts (151) and FIP (2.44) ( minimum of 80 innings) and is fifth in K/9 (13.77). Cavalli has yet to make his AAA debut and needs to work on his control. He only walked 12 batters at High-A, but issued 35 free passes at AA. until then, he needs more seasoning before he should be given a taste of the Major Leagues.
Donovan Casey
Acquired in the Max Scherzer/Trea Turner blockbuster, Donovan Casey has been in the shadow of Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray. However, the 25-year-old outfielder has quickly impressed since arriving in Washington. He appeared in 12 games with the nationals AA affiliate, hitting .347, with three homers, 10 RBIs, and an OPS of .965. Washington liked what they saw and quickly promoted him to AAA.
In nine games at AAA this season, he is hitting .344, with two RBIs, and an OPS of .917. Casey has some swing and miss issues that he will need to work on (120 strikeouts in 94 games this year) in order to become an everyday player. Casey is also currently blocked with Juan Soto, Yadiel Hernadez, Lane Thomas, and Victor Robles holding down the outfield for now.
Matt Cronin
Seen by some as the National’s closer of the future, Matt Cronin is having a solid season at AA. In 23.1 innings at A and AA, Cronin is 2-0, with a 1.93 ERA and 42 strikeouts. Cronin started the season at High-A, but was promoted after posting a 1.23 ERA in 14.2 innings. Since arriving at AA, he has a 3.12 ERA in eight appearances.
Cronin is currently sidelined with an injury and will need to work back his strength.
Mike Ford
Mike Ford started the season with the Yankees before being traded to Tampa who later DFAed him. Washington quickly scooped up the 29-year-old and sent him to AAA. In four games with his new team, he is hitting .286, with a homer, three RBIs, and an OPS of 1.018.
Ford shined during his rookie season with the Yankees hitting .259, with 12 homers, 25 RBIs, and an OPS of .909 in 50 games. He was called up due to the vast amount of injuries to the starters. After helping the team stay afloat, he has yet to replicate his 2019 success. Ford deserves another chance to start, but the Nationals currently have a crowded outfield.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Keibert Ruiz #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the World Team bats against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
Keibert Ruiz
Ranked by MLB Pipeline as the 19th prospect in baseball, Keibert Ruiz was the top prospect Washington acquired from the Dodgers during their firesale. Known for his advanced hit tool, Ruiz projects to be a phenomenal two-way catcher thanks to his framing skills.
After starting slow with the Nationals Triple-A affiliate, the 23-year-old has turned a corner and has put the rest of the Minor Leagues on notice. In 19 games with his new team, he is hitting .324, with five homers, 14 RBIs, and an OPS of .983. Recently, Ruiz has started to develop some power, hitting 21 homers this year. Over the last four games, he has four homers, which came over a two-game span.
Most notably, Ruiz has an exceptional feel for the strike zone, posting a 10.6% K rate in 311 plate appearances, good for 7th in the Minors (minimum 250 plate appearances).
The only problem is that while Ruiz is seen as the franchise’s future behind the plate, both Riley Adams (.250/.338/.426) and Tres Barrera (.270/.369/.393) have been excellent for the Nationals. The duo has been two of the team’s more consistent hitters and neither has given a reason for why they should be benched.
On the other hand, Ruiz has showcased he has nothing left to prove at the Minors and needs to start receiving as many reps as possible.
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 27: Jake Noll #18 of the Washington Nationals looks on during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on September 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
Jake Noll
Despite having been called up to the Major Leagues multiple times, Jake Noll has never received a legitimate chance to stick at the highest level. The 27-year-old is tearing it up at AAA, hitting .310, with 13 homers, 53 RBIs, and an OPS of .869 in 90 games.
In the midst of the best season of his career, Noll deserves another opportunity in the big leagues. The righty has worked on his swing at the Alternative Site and minors and has lowered his strikeout rate. No longer is he swinging at every pitch or trying to crush everything. He has only struck out 52 times while drawing 23 walks, showing his improved plate discipline.
After only receiving 30 plate appearances across two seasons, Noll is in line to be given ample playing time. To start the season, Washington has used veterans Gerardo Parra, Alex Avila, and Jordy Mercer as bench options, but none are viewed as long-term pieces for the Nats. Instead, Noll who can play multiple positions deserves to show isn’t just an AAAA player.
Next. 3 Nats with something to prove. dark
Washington will need depth moving forward and Noll can play all over, having spent time at third, second, first, and the outfield. The super-utility player will be looking to finally prove that he deserves to stay in D.C.
