Washington Nationals: Top 50 Prospects Entering 2022
40) Holden Powell, RHP, 22
Powell is yet another prospect with college relief experience that has all the tools to make a real impact at the big league level. If it was not for an injury last year that limited him to only 4.2 innings he would likely be in Harrisburg or Rochester knocking on the big league’s door. He was the closer for UCLA as a freshman and did very well. His mid to low 90s fastball paired alongside his wipeout slider make him a solid candidate to move quickly through the system if healthy.
39) Daniel Marte, CF, 20
Marte is an interesting prospect who the Nationals acquired in 2018. He is already a very solid outfielder with a great arm, Baseball America ranks it as the best arm in the Nationals system. Unfortunately, the bat has yet to match the arm but at only 20 years old he has the potential to improve.
38) Seth Shuman, RHP, 24
Shuman is another player that was acquired at this year’s trade deadline. He looked great as a part of the Oakland Athletics system, but he struggled once he arrived in Wilmington. In 34 innings with the Blue Rocks, he posted a 6.03 ERA, and his HR/FB rate more than tripled. He gave up 8 home runs over that 34 innings after only giving up only 6 in his previous 93.2 innings. If he can remember how to keep the ball in the park I would expect him to move up this list quickly.
37) Alfonso Hernandez, LHP, 22
Hernandez signed with the Nationals in 2016 at the age of 16. He has really posted solid numbers throughout his time at many different levels with the Nationals, but in 2021 he really took a big step forward. He pitched in over 100 innings for the first time and was effective over two levels. So far with this organization, he’s pitched 262 innings with a 2.91 ERA. He will end up in Harrisburg in 2022 and he is still only 22 years old.
36) Jose Ferrer, LHP, 21
The Nationals signed Jose Ferrer during the 2017 international signing period. He is a 5’11” lefty from the Dominican Republic and has done nothing but impress since joining the organization. He has a fastball that sits in the low 90s and his best secondary pitch is his curveball. Ferrer debuted for the organization in 2018 at the Dominican Summer League. During that time he pitched 30 innings and struck out 53 batters.
After that, he moved to the states and pitched 21 innings while continuing to impress. In 2019 he showed some control issues, but it seems like he fixed that this past year. In 2021 he pitched another 35 innings while striking out 47. Since 2018 he’s pitched just over 85 innings and gave up a total of 30 earned runs. Ferrer is someone to keep an eye on going forward.
35) Richard Guasch, RHP, 23
Guasch came over in the Josh Harrison and Yan Gomes trade with the A’s and he looked pretty good. He struck out 92 over 74 innings last year which is a great sign. Then you run into the issue of walking far too many batters. He walked 46 batters in the same amount of time and unless he corrects this issue he won’t be able to stick as a starter.
34) Todd Peterson, RHP, 24
Todd Peterson is another reliever that could impact the Nationals soon. Peterson missed 2020, but he came back in 2021 and was very impressive. Especially in his fall league showing. He has been a reliever in some tough spots for a great college program in LSU and his high 90s fastball and newly found love for his slider give him the potential to be a quality addition to a big-league bullpen.
33) Gabe Klobosits, RHP, 26
Speaking of upside. Gabe Klobosits had every Nationals fan dreaming of a bullpen savior when he put together a masterful minor league showing in 2021. At AA he gave up 2 ER in 20 innings while striking out 26 and then in AAA he put together another great 18 innings. Those hopes came back to earth once he made his major league debut as he gave up runs in 6 of his 11 games.
Big leaguers don’t struggle often when they know the chances of getting a fastball are very high. Klobosits needs to improve his secondary pitches and control, but I believe he will be a part of this bullpen sometime in the near future.
32) Tim Cate, LHP, 24
This may seem low for Tim Cate, but I am not sure where he belongs in the future. He has one of the best curveballs in the system, but is that really going to carry him to big league success as a starter? I personally am not sold on that. I see his ceiling as a long man out of the pen with Paulo Espino upside. That is why he is ranked behind others that simply have more upside.
31) Israel Pineda, C, 21
Last year when you looked at the Nationals system Pineda was really the only hope for a long-term answer to the catcher position. He has shown glimpses of being able to hit for power and the team loves his abilities behind the plate. Now he’s simply one of many potential catcher options and will need to find a way to stand out in 2022.
30) Yoander Rivero
Rivero was a 2018 July 2 signing for the Nationals at the age of 17. That year Baseball America 2018-19 MLB International Reviews: Washington Nationals (baseballamerica.com) said:
“He has a smaller, skinny build (5-foot-9, 155 pounds) and doesn’t jump out immediately for his size or tools, but he’s a savvy, instinctive player who is a fundamentally sound defender. He’s a line-drive hitter without much power.”
That scouting report is looking to be true as he still does not have one tool that really stands out, but in 2021 he finally came to the states and put together a pretty solid 32 games in Florida. He just seems to understand the game and has shown a knack for getting on base as he has a .409 OBP with a 128wRC+. This is certainly a name to watch in 2022 as he will likely land in Fredricksburg very soon.
29) Mason Denaburg, RHP, 22
There was a time a few years ago when I expected this guy to be a top 10 prospect for us easily and potentially a top 100 prospect if all the pieces fell into place. The stuff is there with a mid 90s fastball and a solid curveball. Unfortunately, the health has not been there for him and after receiving Tommy John Surgery this past season he will need to actually begin to build his career if he hopes to make it to the big leagues.
28) Jake Alu, 2B, 24
Alu was a standout player in 2021 where he put together a great offensive showing in Wilmington. Once he got called up to Harrisburg he slowed down a little bit, but this offensive production is something that goes back to his time at Boston College. Alu could certainly find himself on a big-league bench in 2023 or 2024 if things go well.
27) Jordy Barley, OF, 22
If Jordy Barley was just a little bit younger he would probably be a little higher on this list. Unfortunately, he is 22 years old and has not been above A-level ball. He was acquired in the Daniel Hudson deal this past year. Speed will be his carrying tool, but he needs to improve elsewhere to make any real impact on the Nationals organization.
26) Drew Millas, C, 24
Millas is a very exciting player to me as he offers something many catchers do not offer. He puts together a great at-bat and can also field his position at catcher. This is not a very common combo at any level. Millas will likely move quickly in this system and either serve as solid catcher depth or be a part of potential trade in the future. He is a very valuable addition to the Nationals System.
25) Lucius Fox, SS, 24
Claimed off of waivers by the Nationals, Lucius Fox relies on his steady defense and elite speed. He has 142 stolen bases in 479 minor league games. Defensively, he’s a natural shortstop who has decent hands and a strong arm. His speed allows him to also stick in center, but he needs to work on his bat. He won’t hit for much power, but can drive the ball all over the field. His speed and glove will make him a solid bench player.
24) Sammy Infante, SS, 20
The Nationals compilation pick in 2020 for losing Anthony Rendon, Sammy Infante stumbled in his first taste at the FCL. In 37 games, he hit .215, with three homers, 15 RBIs, and an OPS of .692. Infante can do many things well, but not at a plus level. His swing has improved and he projects to develop average power. Defensively, he’s currently entrenched at short, but may benefit from moving to the hot corner.
23) Donovan Casey, OF, 25
One of the best pure athletes in the Nationals farm, Donovan Casey was the fourth prospect acquired in the Scherzer/Turner trade. He has impressive speed and a strong arm that allows him to play all over the outfield. Casey is also a threat on the base paths, posting 52 career stolen bases in the minors.
He needs to cut down on the strikeouts, (54 whiffs in 38 games at AAA), but he’s recently started to develop more power (36 homers over the past two seasons). Don’t be surprised if Casey gets called up sometime this season.
22) Ricardo Méndez, OF, 22
Signed for $600,000 out of Venezuela in 2016, Ricardo Méndez had a solid 2021 season. In 85 games at A and A+, he slashed .288/.344/.440, with five homers, 52 RBIs, and an OPS of .784. He had a 19 game hitting steak in July which led to him being promoted to A+ in August. There, Méndez posted a .792 OPS in 25 games.
21) Jackson Cluff, SS, 25
Another elite defender, Jackson Cluff is a natural shortstop who can also play second and third, thanks to his above-average speed and strong arm. The question mark is his bat, posting a .556 OPS in 35 games at AA. Part of his struggles was due to him being unable to stay healthy.
He was invited to represent the Nationals at the Arizona Fall League where he took his game to the next level. In 22 games, Cluff slashed .342/.432/.456, with an OPS of .887. He will need to prove that his performance wasn’t a fluke and that he’s finally turned a corner.
As of now, he projects to be a utility player thanks to his glove. If he can develop more power then he has a shot to become an everyday player.
20) Evan Lee, LHP, 24
A two-way player in college, Evan Lee has transitioned to pitching full time with the Nationals. Currently a starter, he has a solid fastball-curveball combination, but he may transition to the bullpen. His fastball ranges in the low-mid 90s that has a high spin rate. It’s complemented by his curve which might be his best pitch.
19) Branden Boissiere, 1B, 21
The top first base prospect in Washington’s farm system, Branden Boissiere was a standout at Arizona, slashing .369/.451/.506, with an OPS of .957 in his last year. His strong performance led to the Nationals taking him in the third round in the 2021 draft.
Boissiere projects to be above average defensively at first, with MLB Pipeline giving him Mark Grace comps. Not known for his power, instead his calling card is his patience at the plate. He commands the strike zone well and can drive the ball to all fields.
Boissiere struggled in 25 games at Single-A, posting an OPS of .595 and striking out 25 times. Expect him to bounce back next season.
18) Roismar Quintana, OF, 19
Rosimar Quintana is a jack of all trades. He has average speed and a solid arm that allows him to play all over the outfield. Offensively, he has raw power and an advanced discipline at the plate for his age. With plenty of intriguing tools, he just needs more experience. Only seven games under his belt, expect Quintana to start at Low-A next season.
17) Mitchell Parker, LHP, 22
Mitchell Parker’s 4.87 ERA across A and A+ may not ooze confidence, but he did rack up 144 strikeouts in 101 2/3 innings. Not one to overwhelm batters with his fastball, instead, it sits in the low 90s that has impressive run. It’s complemented by his wipeout curve. Currently, he’s working on a cutter and change that both need work to become consistent offerings. Depending on how is cutter and change develop will tell if he becomes a mid or back-end starter.
16) Aldo Ramirez, RHP, 20
Acquired for Kyle Schwarber, Aldo Ramirez was Boston’s most advanced pitching prospect at the time of the trade. Right elbow tendinitis sidelined Ramirez, with the righty only throwing 7 2/3 innings for Washington’s Rookie League affiliate.
Before his injury, he posted a 2.03 ERA with 32 strikeouts in eight starts for Boston’s Single-A affiliate. A three-pitch pitcher, his heater averages 93.5 mph and tops out at 96. Behind that is his mid-80s changeup that fades well and his curveball has decent depth.
15) Daylen Lile, OF, 19
The Nationals second-round pick in 2021, Daylen Lile was touted for his bat. A two-time Perfect Game/Rawlings National High School Player of the Year for Kentucky, Lile stumbled in his first taste of professional pitching. At the FCL, he posted a .613 OPS and struck out 20 times in 64 at-bats. Known for his ability to make solid contact into the gap and to all fields, he projects to be a doubles hitter. The question arises on how much power he will be able to develop.
14) Matt Cronin, LHP, 24
Seen by some as the closer of the future, Matt Cronin posted a 3.00 ERA with 50 strikeouts across three levels last season. But once he got to AA he posted a 5.56 ERA partly due to the increase in his walk rate (10 in 11 1/3 innings).
A two-pitch reliever, Cronin relies on his heater that sits in the mid-90s with impressive spin. It’s complemented by his 12-6 curveball that has solid depth. After some more seasoning, expect to see Cronin reach the majors in the near future.
13) T.J. White, OF, 18
Drafted by the Nationals in the fifth round of 2021, TJ White’s calling card is his loud power. In 15 games last season at the Florida Coast League, he hit .283, with four homers and an OPS of .903. He has some swing and miss problems, seen by his 14 strikeouts last year, but that’s to be expected.
Defensively, he’s projected to be a corner outfielder or first baseman and he has the potential to become a solid middle of the lineup bat.
12) Armando Cruz, SS, 18
In recent years, Washington has taken advantage of international free agency and this was on full display when the Nationals signed Armando Cruz for $3.9 million in 2021. Known for his glove, Cruz was the top defender in his international class. His footwork and hands allow him to scoop up most balls in his vicinity.
Offensively, he won’t hit for much power and will need to develop at the plate. His bat will determine if he can break into a major league roster full-time.
11) Yasel Antuna, SS/3B, 22
Signed by the Nationals for $3.9 million in 2016, Yasel Antuna shined at the Nationals Alternate Site in 2020, with Cade Cavalli saying he was the toughest batter he faced that summer. Thanks to his quick hands, he is
After a slow start to the year, Antuna put everything together in the second half of the season. From July on, he slashed .272/.349/.436, with an OPS of .785. A line-drive hitter, the hope is for him to develop power as he gets older.
10) Joan Adon, RHP, 23
Already MLB ready, Joan Adon made his Nationals debut last season, posting a 3.38 ERA, with nine strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Be it only one start, but Adon’s early addition left the fans wanting more.
A three-pitch pitcher, Adon utilizes a mid 90s fastball that has a 60 grade per MLB Pipeline. Last season, he worked hard on his changeup which is now his best secondary offering. Experienced as both a starter and reliever, expect Adon to transition to whichever will get him into the lineup faster.
9) Gerardo Carillo, RHP, 23
Acquired in the Scherzer/Turner blockbuster trade, Gerardo Carillo has explosive stuff. His fastball which was given a 65 grade by MLB Pipeline averages 94-97 mph, but tops out at 100. Carillo’s slider is his second-best pitch which helps complement his fastball. Behind that is his changeup and curve which are both decent offerings. Currently a starter, some believe Carillo will better benefit from transitioning to the bullpen.
8) Jeremy De La Rosa, OF, 20
Signed by the Nationals for $300,000 in 2018, Jeremy De La Rosa has some of the most intriguing tools out of anyone in Washington’s farm.
The lefty struggled at Single-A last season, hitting .203, with five homers 22 RBIs, and an OPS of .595. Keep in mind that was his first full season in the minors, and he’s only 19. He has some exciting raw power and can hit the ball to all fields with ease.
7) Jackson Rutledge, RHP, 22
The Nationals first-round pick in 2019, Jackson Rutledge has the size and arsenal to be a future ace, but injuries have kept him from putting everything together. When he was healthy last season, he was unable to get going, posting a 7.68 ERA in 73 2/3 innings across three different levels. But as recently as 2019, he posted a 2.30 ERA in 27 1/3 innings at Single-A.
Known for his heater that explodes out of his hand, it sits in the mid-90s and tops out over 100. Washington’s development staff has been impressed by his slider, which is his second-best offering. Behind that is his curve and changeup which he worked on at the Alternate Site.
Rutledge needs to focus on his command and staying healthy, but his size and stuff have people drooling.
6) Andry Lara, RHP, 19
Signed by the Nationals as an international free agent for $1.25 million in 2019, Andry Lara finally made his professional debut this past season. In 48 1/3 innings at the Rookie League and Low-A, Lara went 3-3, with a 4.66 ERA, and 52 strikeouts. Opponents hit a measly .225 against him, but also took him deep seven times.
His fastball ranges in the mid-90s and is complemented by his plus breaking ball and solid changeup. Command was an issue at a time, seen by his 21 walks, but he has all the tools to be a future part of the Nationals rotation.
5) Cole Henry, RHP, 22
A second-round pick in 2020, injuries have slowed Cole Henry from fully taking off. Some believe Henry has some of the best stuff amongst all of the Nationals’ prospects. He lacks the overwhelming power of Cavalli, but makes up for it with his command.
Henry throws a two-seamer and a four-seamer that have fluid movement. His changeup fades well and his slider is developing into a plus-out pitch.
He will need to prove he can stay healthy, having dealt with injuries in college and this past year. , Henry will need to build up his strength to handle the rigors of a full season, but his recent Arizona Fall League performance shows what he’s capable of when healthy.
4) Cristhian Vaquero, OF, 17
Washington spent the majority of their international spending money to land Cristhian Vaquero, the number two international free agent in the 2021 class per MLB Pipeline.
Since becoming a switch hitter, Vaquero has seen vast improvements at the plate and is just starting to tap into his raw power. His best attribute is his speed, which helps him cover ground in the outfield. He can play all three spots and has a strong arm.
This might seem high for a player who has yet to play a single game states side, especially considering it will be a while before he arrives. He will start in the Dominican Summer League.
3) Brady House, SS, 18
Brady House is known for his power, hitting four homers in 59 at-bats for the Nats Rookie League affiliate. He can hit to all fields, but will need to improve upon his ground ball rate (52% at the FCL). Sometimes he tends to get aggressive and lengthens his swing, leading to 13 strikeouts. House is at his best when he keeps his swing short
Defensively, many believe he is too big to play short and might end up moving to third in the future. He has an above-average arm that will play all over the infield. House is a few years away from reaching the Majors but expect him to start the upcoming season at Low-A.
2) Cade Cavalli, RHP, 23
Washington believed they got a steal in Cade Cavalli, who they drafted 20th overall in 2020 and so far he’s proven them right. He flew through A+ and AA this year, before ending the season at AAA.
With a fastball that tops out at 101 mph and an impressive curveball, Cavalli has the arsenal to become a front-line starter. Some see his changeup as his best secondary offering and he also throws a slider that is a consistent out pitch.
He needs to work on his command and attacking the zone because he occasionally relies too much on overpowering hitters. This led to him walking 13 batters in 24 2/3 innings at AAA.
1) Keibert Ruiz, C, 23
Washington’s prize acquisition from the Max Scherzer/Trea Turner trade, Keibert Ruiz is the team’s future at catcher. He made his Nationals debut at the end of the 2021 season, drawing six walks and only striking out four times.
Defensively he has a solid arm and can frame the ball well, but needs to work on his blocking and receiving.
Ruiz navigates the strike zone well, striking out only 34 times in 322 at-bats at AAA. He also drew 32 walks. A switch hitter, Ruiz can make solid contact from both sides of the plate and projects to be a 20+ homer a season guy.