Washington Nationals: Top 50 Prospects Entering 2022

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.