Washington Nationals 2021 Top 50 Prospects

Graphic design by John Stewart, @jonance on Twitter

The 2020 baseball season was supposed to be a year of early-season celebrations and a year-long defense of the Nationals 2019 World Series championship. I don’t need to tell you why those things never occurred. This past abbreviated season was one that we will remember for years to come. For the Nationals, it was one that fell very flat. By the end of the 60 game season, the Nationals ended up tied for fourth place (with Mets) in the National League East with a record of 26-34.

The team just never seemed to get its footing, and their once-reliable starting pitching never played up to their talent. One highlight of the shortened season was getting to see two of the Nationals’ top prospects get some playing time. One of the major questions heading into the 2021 season is Carter Kieboom and his future with the club. Kieboom was somewhat of a disappointment in 2020, batting only .202 in 122 plate appearances while producing only one extra-base hit in that time. This season is an important one for Kieboom in his quest to settle into an everyday role.

A bright spot for the Nationals in 2020 was the emergence of Luis Garcia. Garcia shined in Spring Training only to see the season put on hold and the minor league season canceled. In 40 games this year, Garcia batted .276 with two home runs and 16 RBI. He looked comfortable at the plate and in the field, and it was a welcomed sight to see the youngster thrive at the MLB level.

Nats fans received an early Christmas present two weeks ago by acquiring 28-year-old, All-Star first baseman Josh Bell from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Going back to the Pirates in return were a pair of arms in Wil Crowe and Eddy Yean. Both Crowe and Yean would have been ranked in my top 12.


Having said that, the Nationals farm system is still lacking and probably ranks near the bottom. Giving up two top 12 prospects may seem like a lot to some, but these two players may not even be in the top 20 to 25 range in other organizations.

Crowe struggled in 2020 against MLB hitting and never seemed comfortable, and his future as a starter looks bleak. Yean is 19 years old and looks like his ability to remain a starter is more promising. If you look objectively at the trade, I think the Nationals won this one by quite a lot. Prospects like Yean are always difficult to project into the future. In Bell, you are getting an everyday first baseman and bat that has been missing from the lineup.

The Nationals win-now mentality is obviously still strong, as demonstrated by this trade and their willingness to move prospect pieces for established MLB talent. Obviously, this strategy has allowed the Nats to stay relevant in the National League for quite some time while also winning a World Series. The concern, though, is that a healthy pipeline of homegrown talent will be needed. This year’s Nationals farm system is very underwhelming as it is currently constructed. I will say that the top 10-15 prospects are much stronger than in previous seasons. Pitching depth is plentiful, and the hopeful emergence of several young position players is on the horizon.

As you will see from my list, several breakout candidates in this Nationals system could garner Top 100 recognition by season’s end.

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1:
 Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have a high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g., middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster

Tier 1

None

Tier 2

1. Jackson Rutledge, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

The 17th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Rutledge is a big power arm with top of the rotation potential. He spent most of the summer in the alternate site camp and drew positive reviews. He worked hard to repeat his delivery, which will help improve his mid 90’s fastball command. With the hopes of a 2021 minor league season being possible, Rutledge could start the year off in AA with his impressive performance at the alternate site.

Tier 3

2. Yasel Antuna, SS
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

I have to admit that I have developed an affinity for Antuna this past year, which is why I probably have him ranked higher than most other prospect lists. He missed most of the 2019 season, and with the cancellation of the 2020 season, most have forgotten his name in the prospect ranks. Antuna wowed Nationals development staff at the alternate site with his ability to hit for power and his general approach at the plate. I think that he has the potential for a breakout season and will create plenty of buzz. Look for Antuna to start at High-A Wilmington or possibly even AA Harrisburg.

3. Cade Cavalli, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

Cavalli was the Nationals first-round pick in the 2020 draft. Cavalli was another prospect who reported to the alternate site and got in plenty of work. By most accounts, Cavalli was one of the top pitchers available in this year’s draft, but injury issues at Oklahoma scared some teams from picking him earlier. I wavered, putting him at number 2. The injuries, though, put him a notch below Antuna for me. He has top of the rotation stuff, no doubt. If he can stay healthy, I think he quickly gets to the majors and could be a number 2 or 3 starter.

4. Andry Lara, RHP
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2019 international signee

A J2 signing in 2019, Lara never got his first full minor league season under his belt but did get to perform at the alternate site, which helped his development. The young righty has a mid 90’s fastball combined with a slider and a developing changeup. The alternate site staff was impressed with the youngster’s maturity level and ability to be coached, take those lessons, and work on his craft. Lara has the ability to fall in the mid-rotation, possibly even a number 2 as he progresses. The 2021 season will be his first big test as he plays in a full-season league.

5. Cole Henry, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: College

Henry was the Nationals 2nd round pick in the 2020 draft. Henry was the Friday night starter at LSU and is another power pitcher that the Nationals seem to covet. He is another pitcher with some top of the rotation stuff in a mid 90’s fastball, a 12-6 curveball, and a changeup that is seen as a plus pitch. One area he will need to improve on is his consistency with his secondary pitches. Harnessing those pitches will determine where he could end up in a starting rotation.

6. Jeremy De La Rosa, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

De La Rosa is another player that has the potential for a breakout year and catches the eye of the baseball world. An outstanding athlete, he showed at the alternate site camp the ability to drive the ball for power. Capable of playing all three outfield positions, he is seen as an everyday centerfielder currently. His bat speed and approach at the plate project him to be an impact bat for the Nationals.

7. Drew Mendoza, 3B/1B
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

Mendoza was another player that improved his stock at the alternate site this summer. Mendoza’s calling card is his raw power ability. While his everyday position has not been completely determined, his bat plays and will get him in the lineup every day. Mendoza also possesses good plate discipline, which sometimes is absent for power hitters.

8. Mason Denaburg, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: Rookie

Health is the main factor for Denaburg. The 2018 first-round pick has been limited to just twenty professional innings since being drafted. Making health a priority, Denaburg has impressed officials with his commitment to a stronger body and has actually improved his fastball velocity. If he can get through 2021 healthy, I think you could see him move up the ranks.

9. Israel Pineda, C
Age: 20
Highest Level: A

The reports out of the alternate site on Pineda were all positive. He showed progress as a hitter, learning to be more selective, and improved even further with his defensive abilities. Pineda is establishing himself as an everyday catcher because of his defense. If his offense continues to improve, he cements himself as the Nats catcher soon.

10. Matt Cronin, LHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

I know it isn’t easy to get excited about relief pitchers, but Cronin provides the bullpen help the Nats sorely need. As a setup man and possibly closer, Cronin was impressive in alternate camp, and I look for him to move quickly possibly starting 2021 in AAA Rochester.

11. Tim Cate, LHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

The 2019 Nationals Pitcher of the Year, Cate is known for his ability to throw strikes consistently. His fastball is not overpowering at 89-90 mph, but his curveball and newly developed plus changeup allow him to keep hitters off-balance. I see him starting the year in AAA Rochester and maybe even making an MLB debut this year.

12. Roismar Quintana, OF
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2019 international signee

Quintana was signed during the 2019 J2 period and was the next prominent prospect besides Lara. He has a feel for hitting and some untapped power potential. Quintana also has above-average speed, which he utilizes in the outfield and on the base paths. The 2021 season will be his first full season exposure.

13. Seth Romero, LHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

Romero made his MLB debut last year despite not throwing above Low-A ball. In the past, Romero’s concern was his maturity level, and some off-the-field issues distracted him from his progress. Officials have praised Romero for his growth and feel that he is back to focusing on baseball. His ability to pitch has never been questioned, and the Nats would like to see him continue to be a starting option for them in the future. I see Romero as a back end of the rotation pitcher.

14. Joan Adon, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

A relief pitcher at the start of his career, the Nats moved him to a starting role in 2019, and he had great success. He posted an 11-3 record and a 3.86 ERA. If his stamina can grow, he could stay in a starting role. His velocity and strikeout numbers lowered once he moved to be a starter. A bullpen role could be his ultimate destination.

15. Holden Powell, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: College

Another 2020 Nationals draft pick, Powell, came from UCLA, where he was the country’s top relief man. A mid 90’s fastball combined with a wipeout slider, Powell is clearly destined for holds and saves out of the Nationals bullpen. Like Cronin, I could see Powell moving quickly through the system as bullpen help is needed.

Tier 4

16. Daniel Marte, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie (DSL)

Marte is my breakout prospect this year for the Nationals. The young outfielder is showing some opposite field power and also possesses above-average speed. Plate discipline is an area that needs improvement, but I’m very excited to see him get to full-season ball in 2021.

17. Viandel Pena, 2B
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

Another middle infield bat, Pena, impressed with a .455 OBP in the GCL in 2019. At 5’8″, the undersized player is one to keep an eye on as he gets to play a full season in 2021.

18. Jackson Cluff, SS
Age: 24
Highest Level: A

A good fielder with the ability to put the ball in play, Cluff is seen as a high floor utility player. In 2019 he stole 11 bases in Class-A Hagerstown.

19. Tyler Dyson, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

Dyson could be a sleeper pick. He was on the same Florida Gators rotation as Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar, but injuries derailed his collegiate career. His stuff is not in question, and he was rated higher than his college teammates when healthy. Dyson is worth monitoring in 2021.

20. Reid Schaller, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

A starter currently, I’d look for Schaller to end up as a bullpen option. Command will need to improve either way moving forward.

21. Tres Barrera, C
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB

A defense-first catcher, Barrera makes consistent contact with occasional power. At 26 years old, his outlook appears to be as a backup catcher. He was hit with an 80-game suspension earlier in 2020 for testing positive for a banned substance.

22. Steven Fuentes, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA

Fuentes produced a 26.3 K% in 80 innings between High-A and AA in 2019. The possibility exists for him to be a back end of the rotation starter.

23. Sterling Sharp, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB

Sharp is back with the Nationals after spending 2020 with the Marlins as a Rule 5 draft pick. He offers the Nationals another back end of the rotation arm.

24. Ben Braymer, LHP
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB

Braymer made his MLB debut in 2020, pitching 7 innings with a 1.23 ERA. I still think Braymer ends up in the bullpen, with the ability to rack up holds as a lefty specialist.

25. Sammy Infante, SS
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School

Infante was selected with the Nationals compensatory pick between the 1st and 2nd rounds. A high motor, sure-handed shortstop, his ability to hit professional pitching will be on display in 2021.

26. Cole Freeman, OF
Age: 26
Highest Level: A+

Speed is Freeman’s calling card. He stole 31 bases in 2019, but at 26 years old, he needs to show he can hit better against upper-level pitching.

27. Jake Irvin, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

Irvin will miss the 2021 season after having Tommy John surgery. A possible back end of the rotation option.

28. Evan Lee, LHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

A combo outfielder/pitcher in college, the Nats drafted Lee as a pitcher and have been rewarded for that switch. Lee performed well in instructs in 2020, and with relatively low mileage on his arm, he looks to have an impressive full-season debut in 2021.

29. Gilbert Lara, SS/3B
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

Good bat speed and untapped power are traits that stand out for Lara. Better plate discipline in 2021 will serve him well in his hopes to be a better all-around hitter.

30. Aldrem Corredor, 1B
Age: 25
Highest Level: A+

Corredor has hit for average at every level. His power numbers are lacking, but I think could still develop. He will get his shot at advanced pitching in 2021, ultimately determining if he could be a bat off the bench at the next level.

31. Jake Noll, 1B/3B
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB

Noll played in 7 games for the Nationals in 2020. He hit .353 in limited at-bats. Look for Noll in a utility bench role.

32. Leandro Emiliani, 1B
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

Another player I’m watching closely as 2021 will be his first full season. Like most young players, his strikeout numbers were high, but the power potential is there.

33. Raudy Read, C
Age: 27
Highest Level: MLB

Much like Jakson Reetz (below), Read’s time to make an impact is dwindling. Not as strong a defender as Reetz, Read needs to show off his hit tool to garner a backup catcher spot.

Tier 5

34. Nick Banks, OF
Age: 26
Highest Level: AA

Banks had a strong 2019 campaign that saw him hit more line drives than before. Those adjustments didn’t lead to more power numbers, but the improvement was noted. A utility role is probably the ceiling for Banks.

35. Jackson Tetreault, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level:AA

Control issues plagued Tetreault in his AA starts in 2019. If he can get those issues under control, he could be in for a season in 2021 that moves his name up this list.

36. Gage Canning, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

A speedy outfielder, Canning needs to cut down on his swing and misses to be a more productive top of the order hitter.

37. Malvin Pena, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

Injury and command issues have been a problem for Pena. He began his career as a starter, but a bullpen role looks more likely ow.

38. Jakson Reetz, C
Age: 25
Highest Level: A+

Reetz must show something special in 2021, or he ends up being a third catching option. Power numbers were higher in 2019, but it was his 3rd straight year in High-A ball.

39. Jhonatan German, RHP
Age: 26
Highest Level: AA

A two-pitch reliever appears destined for a back end of the rotation role.

40. KJ Harrison, 1B
Age: 24
Highest Level: A+

Harrison is a player that has the ability to jump up this list by midseason. He has the ability to get on base and shows flashes of some plus power. Strikeout numbers need to improve, though.

41. Jorge Hurtado, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

One of several young Nats prospects who should get their first taste of full-season ball in 2021. Another toolsy outfielder that must improve his plate discipline this season.

42. Geraldi Diaz, C
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

Like Hurtado, Diaz will get his first full season in 2021. He posses incredible plate discipline and the ability to get on base. There is little projectable power currently.

43. Jacob Rhinesmith, OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: A

Rhinesmith had an impressive 2019 campaign, hitting 33 doubles and 10 home runs. If these numbers continue against more advanced pitching, his stock could rise as well.

44. Justin Connell, OF
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Above-average speed and plate discipline could allow Connell to climb the ranks. There is a lack of power currently, but he does have the ability to be a top of the order option.

45. Pablo Aldonis, LHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: 2019 international signee

A 2019 J2 signing, Aldonis doesn’t possess a lighting fastball but does have an advanced changeup for his age. Development in 2021 will be key in determining his potential.

46. Raymi Gomez, OF
Age: 21
Highest Level: Rookie (DSL)

Another young player to watch this year, Gomez has a more advanced approach at the plate compared to his younger counterparts. There are also some flashes of untapped power potential in his frame. Look for Gomez to be ranked higher come midseason.

47. Bryan Pena, LHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: Rookie

Pena has shown electric stuff out of the bullpen but has been inconsistent with his command. Look for that to improve in 2021.

48. Juan Garcia, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2019 international signee

Garcia, a 2019 J2 signing, trained at the same facility as Juan Soto, and his loud tools have officials excited for his potential. He has plus-plus speed and line-drive power that could progress as he grows into his frame.

49. Junior Martina, 2B
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

Showing good awareness at the plate, the 16th round pick in the 2019 draft will get to play full-season ball in 2021.

50. Dawry Martinez, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2019 international signee

Another 2019 J2 signings, Martinez is raw, but his tools are enticing. He is very athletic with plus-plus speed and developing gap power.




2 Comments

  1. The Nats have a lower rated system but they have proven to find gems in the system to help the big club.
    Luis Garcia would be #1 but was needed in an emergency in 2020 and he is only 20 years old.

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