I write profiles throughout the year, and then, as part of putting out the organizational Top 20s, I rework them based on their overall season, my scouting reports, and what other evaluators are saying. I spent more time editing the Nationals system than any other system. It wasn’t close.
I found myself constantly downshifting on players. Robert Hassell, Jarlin Susana, and Elijah Green had terrible seasons. I would rank them, write more, re-rank them lower, write more, and then lower them further. It was rather remarkable. You can even throw Brady House into that equation. He was better, but in the end, he’s a guy you are betting will hit for considerable power, but he’s a well-below hitter.
Two guys that I felt great about were Dylan Crews and James Wood. Crews feels like Jackson Holliday 2.0. High Floor with great tools that should make him an excellent Major Leaguer. Not Ronald Acuna, but more Gunnar Henderson. Wood could be Ronald Acuna if he can make enough contact. His swing is fighting his length; unfortunately, the length is winning. But athleticism like he has doesn’t grow on trees, and he could be special.
I’m not going to lie, it was a struggle to write. But, also fun. There’s a TON of talent here, and with some better contact here and there, the Nationals should be on the right path.
Prospect Snapshot
- Top Prospect: Dylan Crews
- Biggest Mover: Cristhian Vaquero
- Biggest Disappointment: Robert Hassell and Elijah Green
- Emerging Prospect: Travis Sykora
