Just a couple weeks ago, MLB.com updated the Top 30 prospects list for the Washington Nationals. While there were not really any surprises overall, there were a couple of names and rankings on the list that stood out to me for a couple of reasons.
In this article, I have identified a few names that stood out, and I will dive into why I was surprised by the names as well as where I anticipated they would be ranked.
9. Caleb Lomavita - C
The first name on the list is catcher Caleb Lomavita, who came in as the #9 prospect in the organization. The 2024 draft pick (39th overall), out of California made his professional debut last season, but did not particularly impress over his 17 game start with Low-A Fredericksburg. With just a .556 OPS and only 2 extra base hits, I was surprised to see him ranked inside the Top 10, as I would have ancitipated he would have been just outside of it.
The catcher has obvious upside, and his overall athleticism behind the dish should help his development as he tries to establish himself as an asset for the future in the organization at the position. I will be monitoring his 1st full professional season closely in 2025 to see if his tools begin to translate, as clearly the organization thinks highly of him, given that he was a non-roster invitee to big league spring training this year.
12. Robert Hassell III - OF
As a site, we have talked a lot about Robert Hassell III so far in spring training, and for good reason. The former #8 overall pick back in the 2020 draft has struggled overall since coming over in the Juan Soto deal, but he is finally fully healthy and showing what he is capable of as a player. That is why I was surprised to see him ranked as just the #12 prospect in the organization, as I figured he would have cracked the Top 10.
He has been the Nationals best player overall in Grapefruit League play, and although I would not anticipate he will be on the Opening Day roster, the fact that he has even made it a legitimate discussion is major credit to him. I would anticipate that if he is able to get off to a quick start in AAA in 2025, he should be on track to make his big league debut this summer.
30. Sam Petersen - OF
The final name that stood out to me when evaluating the updated list was the #30 overall prospect, Sam Petersen. As the organization's 8th-round selection in last year's draft, Petersen did not get a lot of opportunity to play professionally, appearing in just 7 games, but he did post a .991 OPS and stole 6 bases in his limited chances for Low-A Fredericksburg.
I would anticipate that Petersen is a guy who could challenge to become a legitimately valuable prospect in the organization within a couple of seasons, although he still has some work to do to prove he should be valued over other outfield prospects such as Hassell III and Daylen Lile, among others. Keep an eye on the former Iowa Hawkeye as a potential riser this season.
Which prospect ranking surprised you in the Top 30? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.