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Checking in on a few key Nationals' youngsters down in the minors

An update on some Nationals prospects and how they are faring in the minors.
ByAJ Stone|
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Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Dylan Crews (3) rounds past third base against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Dylan Crews (3) rounds past third base against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Washington Nationals' prospect Devin Fitz-Gerald, 20, was a fifth-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2024. The young infielder is what you might call a ‘perennial winner.’ Under the guidance of his father, Fitz-Gerald and friends won four straight high school championships at Stoneman Douglas High School. His winning ways aren’t slowing as he ascends baseball's ladder. 

This year, the 20-year-old has a 1.099 OPS in 30 High-A games. Scouts have long coveted his hit tool and approach, but now, there are glimmers of sneaky pop shining through. 

With a whopping 10 bombs already, Fitz-Gerald is pressing the Nationals front office for a promotion, and challenging prospect lists for a huge bump. In addition to his newfound pop, Fitz-Gerald offers at-bats from both sides of the plate. Being a switch-hitter is rare; being a switch-hitter with pop? That’s majestic. The emerging star has already homered from both sides of the plate in the same game, an impressive feat for a player with minimal professional experience. 

When could Nats’ fans expect to see Fitz-Gerald? 

Even with such a prolific start to his 2026 campaign, the still-developing Fitz-Gerald is a ways away from The Show. D.C. currently has a boatload of young talent that’s already surfaced at the big league level. For players like Fitz-Gerald to command the playing time they deserve in the future, the Nationals must cycle through talent right now. 

At this rate, it wouldn’t be a far cry to see the rangy infielder snag a cup of coffee at Double-A some point this season. There’s no reason for opportunities not to be made available in the minor leagues; it’s just hard to fit new faces into D.C.’s bloated MLB clubhouse. 

Washington is in no rush to promote developing players 

One game at a time, the Nationals continue to flip through players. Whether it’s their middling catching unit, struggling starting rotation, or dynamic yet inexperienced offense. The Nats have a long way to go before they hit clarity city. In fact, arguably the biggest questions right now in the organization come in the form of catcher Keibert Ruiz and outfielder Dylan Crews. 

Ruiz is in the midst of what’s become a tragic contract. Washington inked the backstop to an eight-year, $50 million deal that runs through 2030. Although he’s had success in the past couple of contests, his 2026 OPS still sits at a measly .638. 

As for Crews, the once highly-touted prospect out of Louisiana State University was demoted to Triple-A. In 38 games at Rochester, Crews has an OPS of .767 with five home runs. Not an awful showing, but without eye-popping evidence, it’ll be hard to buy back in on the former top prospect. 

Washington is adding yet another dynamic prospect to the mix. The Nationals need long-term solutions all over the field. If Fitz-Gerald can become an answer rather than another question, his steadiness could anchor the D.C. lineup in the future. 

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