On Wednesday, the Washington Nationals were back in the news on the free agency front as the team signed former Philadelphia Phillies Top 10 prospect and outfielder Carlos De La Cruz to a minor league deal.
While this is certainly not the major news that every Nationals fan, including myself, has been waiting for, if there is any silver lining to take away, at least the Nats are attempting to make some moves. After adding lefty Konnor Pilkington and righty Clay Helvey last week with an invite to Spring Training, the Nationals surprisingly chose not to extend an invite to De La Cruz. Due to him not having an invite, it appears all but certain he will open the season with the AAA Rochester Red Wings, where he can provide some depth for the oufield down there.
De La Cruz brings an enticing power profile and frame, standing at 6'8" and 208 pounds according to Baseball Reference, but his big frame has also caused some issues for him at the plate. Despite hitting 17 homers at the AA level in 2022 and following it up by hitting 24 in 2023 at the same level, he took a step back in 2024. The step back was to the tune of an abysmal 32.6% strikeout rate, while only hitting 11 homers and posting a .669 OPS in 113 games between AA and AAA.
The obvious holes in his swing and overall regression at the plate caused the Phillies to let the 25-year-old outfielder walk, and perhaps both sides felt that a change of scenery could do him better than running it back for another year with the Phillies. It doesn't appear as if De La Cruz has any sort of clear path to the majors with the Nationals, as they already have a crowded infield in the big leagues with Dylan Crews, James Wood, and Jacob Young occupying the outfield currently.
In addition to the entrenched starters, the club also has names like Alex Call, Stone Garrett, and prospects Robert Hassell III (WSH #13 prospect) and Daylen Lile (WSH #12 prospect), who could all push for playing time in the outfield in 2025 as well. It is an interesting signing for the Nationals, as De La Cruz was ranked as a Top 10 prospect in the Phillies organization as recently as last season, and if he can rediscover his power stroke while cutting down on the strikeouts, perhaps he could be a late bloomer for the Nationals.
What do you think of the Nationals signing Carlos De La Cruz? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.