Eli Willits
The Nats made a splash with the first overall pick in Eli Willits. They skipped over Jackson Holliday and Kade Anderson and went with the 17-year-old switch hitting shortstop out of Oklahoma. The team reiterated that he was their top option throughout the process and though it may have surprised the public, it was the plan all along.
I can run through his stats all day long, but as a high school athlete, that should come with a grain of salt. What you really should know is that he led his high school to their 6th straight state title. He plays shortstop with versatility that will allow a positional pivot should it be necessary - a great asset. Willits switch hits and is said to hit better as a lefty. As he ages into his 20's, he should only get better in every aspect. He will be fun to watch.
Ethan Petry
The scouting department sees Ethan Petry as a big power bat out of South Carolina with 54 home runs in his college career. He is 6'4" weighing in at 235 lbs. He is definitely a developmental piece, but the team thinks he brings much promise. Petry is off of a shoulder injury but in a limited season he had much hitting success. Playing as an outfielder, Petry may have a strong chance to play in the majors but many things can change in the next 2-3 years. If all pans out, he can definitely come to the majors in the outfield or even a DH option.
Landon Harmon
The Nationals came up to bat at the 80th pick and they swung for another high schooler in Landon Harmon. At such a young age, Harmon has a fastball that can touch 99 MPH. He is a tall lengthy individual sitting at 6'5" and he may continue to grow and add size. Straight gas is to be expected. It is now up to him in the minors to develop his arsenal and control. The upside is bright.
Travis Sykora
This is no surprise here. Any big Nationals fan is aware of Sykora as he elevated himself to be the #1 ranked Nationals prospect. The young prospect was recently sidelined due to a triceps injury, but he is due back in 1-2 more weeks. He has a sub-2.00 ERA thus far this season and over a 4:1 K:BB rate. Though not due up in 2026, I don't think it would surprise anyone to see Sykora up in Nationals Park ahead of schedule.
Coy James
James came as a deeper pick in the 2025 draft as a listed SS/3B. Coy James came with a commitment to Ole Miss thus causing his fall in the draft but the talent is undeniably top tier prospect worthy. With a monetary commitment by the organization, James will play for the organization over Ole Miss. He is primarily a shortstop causing high demand amongst Nationals prospects at that position, but he can shift to 2B or 3B. Time will tell where he may fit.
Seaver King
He has received mixed reviews online but nonetheless he is the Nats #6 prospect in the pipeline. Another shortstop, it almost appears a race to the majors. King has been underperforming in the hitting department with his minor league OPS remaining steadily below .700 . King will have competition and the Nats will have to mix up their placements in the minors for their young shortstops. King's current ETA lies in 2027 per MLB.com
Luke Dickerson
How about this - the shortstop carries a massive $3.8 Million bonus out of the second round in 2024. Commitment to Dickerson is not taken lightly. His career is young and he joins the race at shortstop. He is still in Single-A ball and it is way too early to speculate his future. With the 2024 commitment, the team shall expect him to thrive.
With most of these players due up in 2027 at the earliest, it is very difficult to project how they may end up with the major league squad. Things change on a dime. That being said, the team will continue to develop their young talent and as they become ready, management will decide where their positions will be, if they change, and if they were to even get dealt for more veterans.
Infield Recap
The Nationals have Brady House at 3rd base and he will play to keep his spot. Though up with the team, he is listed as the #9 prospect in the organization. If he does not seal his spot by 2027, perhaps someone like Coy James could make a surge.
At shortstop lies CJ Abrams and he shall be here for quite awhile. This makes you wonder where these prospects fill in. They may need to shift positions. They may even get dealt at some point. It is way too early to yet speculate.
At 2B lies Luis Garcia Jr., who is under arbitration until 2028. This is definitely a spot where a young prospect listed above can shift to play 2nd base should Garcia taper off.
First base is with Nathaniel Lowe but he will not likely be with the team very long. Like 2nd base, 1st base is an open spot. Yohandy Morales very likely may see this spot in 2026.
Projecting a 2027 roster is no simple task. I would love to hear what fans' input is on the future to come. I am on X @jetbets17