Washington Nationals Prospect Spotlight: Chisthian Vaquero

This past Sunday the Washington Nationals announced they signed 14 international prospects in the 2023 class. None were as highly touted as 18 year old Christhian Vaquero, from Cuba, MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 overall prospect in the 2022 international prospect class. The outfield prospect headlined the Nationals 2022 class and has earned the nickname, “the Phenomenon” due to his exciting play on the field and physical stature.

At just 17 years old, Vaquero signed with the Nationals for $4.9 million. Washington only had $5.17 million to spend in the entire class, so this indicates how highly Mike Rizzo and his scouting department value Christhian.

Standing at 6 foot 3, 180 pounds, the center fielder has all the tools. Contact, power, speed, fielding and throwing are the five tools of a baseball player and Vaquero possesses them all. Washington could be developing their next homegrown superstar.

Professional Career

Being a part of the 2022 international signing class, Vaquero’s career is still in its beginning stages. In his first campaign, Christhian was assigned to the Dominican summer league. According to baseballreference.com, the 17 year old at the time posted a .256 batting average, 1 home run and 22 RBI in 56 games. He also stole 17 bases, recorded four triples and an on-base percentage of .379. On the defensive side he recorded a .984 fielding percentage, respectable for a major league center fielder. The fielding opportunities were down in center for Vaquero because he was the designated hitter for almost half of the games he appeared in.

What should we expect next year? I expect development from Vaquero in all assets of his game. After only hitting one home run during his first season, I would like to see him expand on his power next year. Christhian also was swing and miss prone last season, striking out 21 percent of the time. A lower number in that department would also suffice. Converting to a switch-hitter has benefitted his eye at the plate, but he will need to prove he can survive swinging right-handed versus better pitching. Here is his smooth, natural left-handed swing during recent live at-bats.

Vaquero competed in the Dominican Summer League for his rookie season and I would imagine he would begin his sophomore campaign there also. A move to the Florida Complex League Nationals is the next step for Christhian and I would anticipate he makes the move to America in 2023.

Developmental Expectations

When evaluating Christhian Vaquero you must account for how young he is. If he was an American baseball player, he still would’ve been in high school at the age of 17 when he signed with the Nationals. The developmental track could be a bit longer for Vaquero simply because Washington acquired him at such a young age.

Expect the center fielder to add weight as he matures, possibly growing to 210 pounds. That will only expand the power tool of his game. Easy 20 home run and 20 stolen base potential could turn into 30-30 really quickly. Most scouts have Vaquero staying in center due to his raw speed and defensive instinct. His arm strength fits the mold of a right fielder if a move to the corner is needed later in his career.

What will the fully developed Christhian Vaquero bring to the Washington Nationals? The Cuban has the potential to be a Perennial All-Star center fielder. He will bring excitement back to Nationals Park in the form of power and speed

Vaquero competed in the Dominican Summer League for his rookie season and I would imagine he would begin his sophomore campaign there also. A move to the Florida Complex League Nationals is the next step for Christhian and I would anticipate he makes the move to America in 2023.

When will Vaquero be in D.C.?

Expect Vaquero to break into the majors in three to four years. It all comes down to how fast the prospect develops. Not everyone is Bryce Harper and making their debuts at age 19. If Christhian were to make his debut 4 years from March 30th’s opening day, he would still be just 22 years old.

The timing of Vaquero’s debut at Nationals Park will solely depend on his developmental track. The 18 year old is in the heat of his first offseason as a professional baseball player, arguably the most important time for a prospect’s development. I anticipate him to build on his strong debut season and hit for more power. He is far more capable than just the single home run last season.

Look for articles throughout the season updating the performances of the players in the Prospect Spotlight Series!