It is hard not to root for the underdog. We all know the top prospects, the all-stars, the big-time free agents, but some guys can work their whole lives for a crack to play in the majors, just to never even get a shot.
There are over 5,500 minor league players currently according to the MLB Players Association, who are looking to become one of the 780 players that are on a 26-man active roster amongst the 30 major league teams.
After having one of the best minor league systems in the 2010s loaded with future impact players, Washington's system has suffered mightily from the major league's roster success, with a lack of depth and high-end prospects becoming a major issue during the rebuilding years.
With players like Maikel Franco, Cesar Hernandez, and even Alcides Escobar getting playing time on the 100+ loss Nationals team, it opened the opportunity for a few minor league guys we had to get some run, including the 24th round draft pick of the 2019 draft, Jake Alu.
With that being said, by no means am I trying to disrespect the minor-league career of Jake Alu. With zero expectations, Alu put together a great minor-league career, eventually receiving his shot in 2023.
After an up-and-down college career, Alu was named to the ACC third team as a senior, batting .343 with 4 home runs and playing all across the diamond.
After being selected 723rd overall in 2019, Alu began his career in A-Ball, working his way up to Double-A in 2021. Alu continued to perform in Double-A in 2022, working his way up to Triple-A, with a combined slash line of .299/.365/.506, with 20 home runs, 62 extra-base hits, and 15 steals.
His break-out 2022 season put Alu on the map, as the Nationals added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft heading into 2023. Alu improved every year in the minors, with his high walk rate and power surge leading him to be ranked as the National's #27 prospect according to MLB.com.
Alu began 2023 in Triple-A, before being promoted to the Majors in May. Alu appeared in 51 games at the big league level, logging time at second base, third base, and left field. He struggled with the bat, slashing .226/.282/.289 with 2 home runs and 5 steals. "Rake" Alu was a fan favorite, as it was easy to root for the guy, but he never got an opportunity again after the 2023 season.
First career home run for Jake Alu is a MOONSHOT!! 🚀🧨 pic.twitter.com/mqEjAPvZ5v
— Talkin Nats (@TalkinNats) August 12, 2023
His career highlight happened in Miami, in August of 2023. The Nationals were down 2-1 vs the Marlins in the top of the 9th, with David Robertson in to close the game for the Fish. After Lane Thomas led off with a triple, it looked like the Nats offense was going to blow another opportunity, after Thomas was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice with one out. With runners on first and second with two outs, Alu came up to the plate. After working a full count, the Nats were down to their final strike. On a curveball towards the outside part of the plate, Alu ripped a single to center, scoring the game-tying run, leading to a 3-2 Nationals victory after another run scored on a passed ball.
JAKE ALU TIES IT IN THE 9TH DOWN TO OUR LAST STRIKE!!!!
— Talkin Nats (@TalkinNats) August 26, 2023
WHAT AN AT BAT!!!! THESE NATS!!!! pic.twitter.com/oTHrtYo7ct
Alu spent the entire 2024 minor league season in Triple-A after being designated for assignment and unclaimed, underperforming once again in only 69 games and battling through injuries.
Alu deserves a lot of credit for making it to the majors and now hangs up his spikes at 28 years old. His versatility and bat-to-ball skills showed promise for his baseball future, but now I wish him nothing but the best in his career outside of baseball.