While the Washington Nationals were out in Arizona bouncing back in a big way against the Diamondbacks after being swept at the hands of the Miami Marlins, the rest of their organization was busy making major moves as well. Paul Toboni has had his hands full so far since taking over, but it finally appears as if his new investments on the player development side of things is already paying off.
On Sunday, the Nationals promoted several top prospects (courtesy of TalkNats, who had it all first) to new levels, giving a lot of their youngsters a new set of challenges for them to overcome. So who all got moved up? Let's check it out:
TJ White
If you have followed the Nationals' farm system for awhile, you are likely to recognize the name TJ White. A former 5th-rounder of the Nationals back in 2021, White has finally gotten over the challenge of High-A Wilmington, earning himself a promotion to AA Harrisburg.
Still just 22-years-old, White profiled as a corner outfielder or first baseman who likely needed to be given a chance to move up, as he had been in WIlmington since 2023. His .839 OPS is indicative of his career year to this point, and his 33 walks drawn in just 43 games are already approachhing his season-best 48 walks back in 2024. If White can continue to keep the strikeouts down and be patient, he might just have a chance to get back into the Nationals' Top 30 prospects list.
Jack Moroknek
An 11th-rounder out of Butler University last year, Jack Moroknek made Low-A Fredericksburg look easy in just 41 games. His .309/.423/.547 slash line was good enough for a .970 OPS to go along with 6 homers and 23 RBIs.
While he was expected to perform well at Low-A given his age, how he performs with High-A Wilmington could be a good indicator of whether or not he can be a guy that jumps into the Nationals' Top 30 list, as he is currently unranked. Moroknek should be in line to get a good amount of playing time in White's place for the Blue Rocks.
Ethan Petry (WSH #13)
It feels sometimes as if Ethan Petry is a name that gets forgotten about when it comes to Nationals prospects. It could be because of his age and the fact that we haven't seen him against the upper levels of the minor leagues yet, or even the fact that he was a 2nd-rounder last year behind the #1 pick in the draft. However, that overlooking might be set to change as Petry was promoted to AA Harrisburg along with White.
In 43 games this year for High-A Wilmington, Petry had a .913 OPS with a .297/.392/.521 slash line, and he really had nothing else to prove at the level. He added 9 homers and 34 RBIs to go along with 22 walks against 47 strikeouts, but how quickly he adapts to AA pitching could accelerate his timeline to the big leagues.
Devin Fitz-Gerald (WSH #5, MLB #97)
Well, Paul Toboni finally pulled the trigger on Devin Fitz-Gerald, but it should be noted that the timing was a little bit interesting. I say that because Fitz-Gerald was in the middle of a nasty slump, and he only recorded his first hit in the month of June late in Sunday's contest.
His numbers have dipped since the last time I wrote about him, however, his slump still only lowered his season OPS down to .903, and there is a ton to be excited about with Fitz-Gerald. He is now heading to AA Harrisburg, a big test for the 20-year-old who might just be emerging as the true prize of the MacKenzie Gore deal with the Rangers.
Eli Willits (WSH #1, MLB #4)
After boldly claiming he wanted to debut in the major leagues by his 20th birthday after being drafted by the Nationals as a 17-year-old, Eli Willits is on his way to doing just that. The now 18-year-old shortstop is headed up to High-A Wilmington, a place that will be a big test for last year's #1 overall pick.
His promotion was earned after a fantastic season for Low-A Fredericksburg, where he slashed .300/.418/.500, good for a .918 OPS in just 47 games. Perhaps the most impressive part of WIllits' game has been his patience at the plate, as he drew 37 walks compared to 54 strikeouts, and he stole an absurd 29 bases, showcasing truly elite speed.
Perhaps the most fun part of Willits' growth so far has been seeing his power show up already, as he clubbed 6 homers, 14 doubles, and 3 triples during this season for the FredNats. Willits is showcasing true 5-tool potential at such a young age that he might very well have a case to be the #1 prospect in baseball by next season. If he keeps developing at this rate, we might very well be watching the future face of not only the Nationals, but one of the faces of baseball.
What do you think of all the Nationals' promotions from this weekend? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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