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1. Victor Robles, CF

Hit Power SB Field Overall 65 55 55 60 75

Background: Heading into last season the National League Rookie of the Year race was supposed to come down to the vaunted trio of Ronald Acuna, Juan Soto, and Victor Robles. But a horrific looking elbow injury – which was only diagnosed as a hyperextension – in mid-April completely derailed the toolsy outfielder’s 2018 season. The Dominican-born prospect missed nearly three months and wouldn’t return to the International League until the end of July. Once healthy, Robles batted a mediocre .269/.345/.386 over his remaining 36 games with the Syracuse Chiefs. Washington would call him up – for the second time in his career – in early September and he would bat .288/.348/.525 in limited action. For his minor league career, Robles is sporting an impressive .300/.392/.457 triples-slash line in 384 games.

Analysis: It’s completely forgivable to dismiss Robles’ massive downturn in production – especially if you witnessed his failed dive attempt on a sinking pop-up. It looked bad. And it’s also completely understandable that it took quite a while for Robles to get back up to speed once he reached Class AAA again as well. After rattling off three hits in his first game back with the Chiefs, the toolsy center fielder went 11 for his next 73 – good enough for a paltry .151/.259/.164 triple-slash line. From August 18th through the remained of the season, which includes his time in Washington, he slugged a Robles-esque .331/.383/.535 with 10 doubles, two triples, and four homeruns in just 37 games. And because he’s seemingly been on every Top Prospect list for years, it’s easy to forget that he’s only entering his age-22 season. Plus hit tool, above-average power and speed, and tremendous defense in center field. Add it all up that’s a recipe for a dynamic big leaguer.

Ceiling: 6.0-win player

Risk: Low to Moderate

MLB ETA: Debuted in 2017

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2. Carter Kieboom, SS

Hit Power SB Field Overall 60 60 40 45/50 65

Background: The Nationals have had this incredible knack – or at least unfathomable fortune – at churning out generational type talents in recent history: Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, and Victor Robles. And Kieboom, the 28th overall pick in the 2016 draft, is on track to be the next superstar. The brother of Nationals Qaud-A backstop Spencer Kieboom, the young shortstop shot up prospect lists after a stellar – though limited – showing in the South Atlantic League two years ago. The then-19-year-old slugged .296/.400/.497 with 12 doubles and eight homeruns. His overall production that season, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by a Ruthian 58%. Kieboom carried that offensive firepower into High Class A at the start of last season as well, batting .298/.386/.494 with 26 extra-base hits as one of the youngest everyday players in the Carolina League. Washington bumped the budding star up to the Eastern League in late June, where the baby-faced middle infielder’s numbers took a noticeable downturn. Kieboom finished his first healthy professional season with an aggregate .280/.357/.444 triple-slash line, belting out 31 doubles, one triple, and 16 homeruns.

Analysis: A do-everything-type shortstop knocking – loudly – on the door to stardom. Kieboom could easily be the face of a franchise if not for the fact that he’ll be playing with the likes of Max Scherzer, Juan Soto, and Victor Robles. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound shortstop shows an advanced approach at the plate, offering up an elite level of patience, strong contact skills, and 25- to 30-homer potential. Defensively speaking, he shows enough promise to remain at the position, though he’ll never be a Gold Glove recipient. With respect to his production in High Class A last season, consider the following:

Since 2006 only four 20-year-old hitters posted a wRC+ total between 145 and 155 in the Carolina League (min. 250 PA): Clint Frazier, Victor Robles, Ryan Mountcastle, and Kieboom, who has the best BB-to-KK ratio in the group.

Ceiling: 4.5-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2019/2020

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Hit Power SB Field Overall 70 55 50 50/55 65

Background: Following in the footsteps of two other wildly successful international free agents for the Nationals, Garcia, who was signed by the organization for a hefty $1.3 million in 2016-2017, is just the latest teenage phenom ripping up the minor leagues. The lefty-swinging infielder turned in a solid, though far from spectacular debut season in the Gulf Coast League two years ago, hitting .302/.330/.387 with 12 extra-base hits as a 17-year-old. But his offensive production exploded as the club moved him up to the South Atlantic League and then eventually on to High Class A last season. In a combined 127 games, Garcia, who saw time at second and third bases as well as shortstop, slugged an aggregate .298/.336/.406 with 21 doubles, six triples, and seven homeruns. He also swiped 12 bags in 18 attempts. His overall production, according to Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by 11%. Again, he was only 18-years-old squaring off against vastly older competition.

Analysis: Not everything is rosy for the talented youngster. The left-handed swinging Garcia was incredibly susceptible to southpaws last season, cobbling together a lowly .234/.250/.287 triple-slash line (as opposed to a .330/.377/.465 showing vs. RHP). And that comes on the heels of his horrific performance against lefties in 2017 as well (.184/.244/.289). The bat is a plus, which helps soothe any concern over his platoon splits, and the power is above-average. Garcia doesn’t walk all that often, but there’s All-Star potential here. The glove will play anywhere with solid enough results. Consider the following:

Since 2006 only five 18-year-old prospects have received at least 200 PA in the Carolina League: Manny Machado, Elvis Andrus, Raul Mondesi Jr., Chris Marrero, and Luis Garcia, who put together the best performance as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus.

Ceiling: 4.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2020

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4. Seth Romero, LHP

FB SL CH Control Overall 65 65 55/60 45/50 65

Background: The southpaw with a golden arm, who could easily be the next splashy Washington prospect, let his ten cent head get in the way. Again. Romero, if you’ll recall, was a dominant potential #1 pick type arm with the Houston Cougars as amateur. But infraction after infraction after infraction eventually cost him his spot on the team during his junior campaign – despite fanning 85 guys in just 48.2 innings of work. The Nationals, under Mike Rizzo’s regime, have never shied away about taking high upside, risky prospects early in the draft (see: Erick Fedde, Lucas Giolito), snagged the enigmatic man-baby with the 25th overall pick two years ago. And Romero looked every bit the part of a potential front-of-the-rotation talent during his debut in the New York-Penn League, racking up 32 strikeouts against six walks in only 20.0 innings of work.

Romero – or so it appeared – was poised to become one of the bigger breakout prospects in 2018. And then he got in his own way. Again.

According to a variety of reports, he was sent home by the club in early March for violating club policy. As reported by the Washington Post, Romero felt he was above the law (my words) and missed curfew “multiple times.” The hard-throwing southpaw wouldn’t officially make his 2018 debut until three months later. But that only lasted seven brief starts and he eventually underwent Tommy John surgery. Romero finished his wasted season with 34 punch outs and eight walks in 25.1 innings of work.

Analysis: Ignoring the glaring red flag of immaturity issues, Romero’s a supremely gifted, talented pitcher. He’s a legitimate top-of-the-rotation caliber arm. His entire arsenal can be succinctly described as…electric. His fastball sits comfortably in the 92- to 94-mph range with a peak of 97. The plus offering shows incredible late life and explosion. His slider, a hellacious mid-80s offering, provides another swing-and-miss pitch. And his changeup sits comfortably in above-average territory with a little room to grow. Based merely on talent and ability alone, Romero could easily ascend up to the top of a rotation. But now he’s battling health issues on top of a novel of indiscretions.

One more thing to consider: Let’s say Romero comes back strong from the Tommy John surgery; let’s say he blows through the minor leagues and reaches his potential. Would you feel comfortable handing this young man a $100+ million deal in five years? I would not.

Ceiling: 4.5-win player

Risk: High (Untouchable)

MLB ETA: 2021

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5. Mason Denaburg, RHP

FB CB CH Control Overall 60 65 N/A 55 60

Background: The University of Florida commit was nearly unhittable during his senior season at Merritt Island High School, posting a 0.99 ERA in 35.1 innings. Washington grabbed the hard-throwing right-hander with the 27th overall pick last June and came to terms on an above-slot bonus of $3 million. Denaburg did not appear in a game in a minor league game after signing.

Analysis: The projectable right-hander already owns two plus pitches: an explosive mid-90s fastball with some run and a fall-off-the-table caliber curveball. It was almost comical watching high school-aged hitters attempt to make contact on the 12-to-6, hard-biting breaking ball. In terms of upside, Denaburg looks far more projectable and polished than Orioles first round Grayson Rodriguez, who was taken 16 picks earlier. There’s some mid-rotation caliber talent here, maybe a bit more

Ceiling: 3.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2022

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6. Jackson Tetreault, RHP

FB CB SL CH Control Overall 60 60 65 50/55 50/55 55

Background: The lanky right-hander took an interesting route to the minor leagues. Tetreault, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs just 170 pounds, spent the 2016 season with Division II Cameron University. He transferred to State College of Florida, a JuCo, and promptly posted a 105-to-40 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 80.0 innings of work. Washington grabbed the projectable right-hander in the seventh round, 223rd overall, two years ago. After a couple brief stops in the Gulf Coast and New York-Penn Leagues during his debut, Tetreault made 20 starts in Low Class A and another four in High Class A during his sophomore professional season. In total, he threw 132.2 innings, recording 138 strikeouts and 41 walks to go along with a 4.02 ERA.

Analysis: A nice little find in the middle part of the draft two years ago – kudos to the Nationals scouting department – Tetreault showcases two plus-offerings: a 93-94 mph fastball, though it tends to be a touch too straight, and a wipeout slider with hard, late bite. The slider has a chance to be one of the better sliders in the minor leagues. The big right-hander will also show an above-average changeup in the 86-87 mph range and big bending 12-6 curveball, which flashes plus as well. There’s a chance Tetreault develops into a low-end #3 or good #4-type arm in a big league rotation. Highly, highly underrated. In terms of production, here’s how his numbers in the Sally stack up, historically speaking:

Between 2006 and 2016, only five 22- year-old pitchers posted a 24% to 26% strikeout percentage and a walk percentage between 6% and 8% in the South Atlantic League (min. 100 IP): Armando Rodriguez, Kyle McPherson, Brett Gerritse, Mitch Horacek, and Sam Coonrod.

So it’s not a stellar group of arms. But Tetreault has a puncher’s chance. Don’t forget the name.

Ceiling: 2.5- to 3.0-win player

Risk: Moderate to High

MLB ETA: 2020/2021

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7. Tim Cate, LHP

FB CB CH Control Overall 55 70 50 55 50

Background: A four-year letter winner during his tenure at Cheney Tech High School, Cate was a stellar, sometimes dominant member of the Connecticut Huskies’ rotation in each of his three seasons. Measuring 6-foot and 185 pounds, the Manchester, Connecticut-native earned two big awards during his freshman season: Louisville Slugger named him a Freshman All-American and he garnered the American Athletic Conference Rookie Pitcher of the Year. Cate made 14 appearances that season, 13 of them coming via the start, recording 101 strikeouts versus just 27 walks in 82.0 innings of work. He also briefly appeared for Team USA that summer as well, posting a 6-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in five innings. For his sophomore season, Cate’s production more or less maintained status quo: In 12 starts for long-time Manager Jim Penders, the then-20-year-old southpaw recorded 102 punch outs and issued 31 free passes in 75.2 innings to go along with 3.33 ERA and a 4-3 win-loss record. And, once again, the promising prospect popped up on Team USA’s roster during the summer. Starring alongside the likes of Steven Gingery, Konnor Pilkington, and Casey Mize, Cate was practically unhittable during his five appearances. He fanned a remarkable 20 against just four free passes in 12.0 innings; he allowed just three hits and two runs (only one earned). Last season, Cate put together yet another Cate-like season: he missed an extraordinary amount of bats with average-ish control. But a forearm issue, which was deemed as nothing more than tightness, has limited him to just 11 appearances (seven starts). He averaged 11.5 strikeouts and 3.3 walks per nine innings. Washington grabbed the southpaw in the second round, 65th overall, and signed him to a $986,000 deal. Cate split his debut between Auburn and Hagerstown, throwing 52.0 innings with 45 strikeouts and 16 walks.

Analysis: Per the usual, here’s what I wrote about Cate heading into the draft last season:

“The injury, which is often times a precursor to Tommy John surgery, will undoubtedly take a toll on his draft stock. But Cate’s one of the most dynamic, talented collegiate pitchers in this year’s draft class. Physically speaking, he’s less than imposing on the mound, almost doing an impression of a still-developing upper classman in high school. But the arsenal is legitimately equipped to push him towards the front-of-the-rotation on a big league club. His fastball, an above average offering, is sneaky quick. But it’s his curveball that separates him from the pack of other high round picks. It’s fall-off-the-table break with late-biting action – easily a plus- to plus-plus offering. As far as the production is concerned, let’s take a look at his numbers in 2018, which are – more or less – in line with his freshman and sophomore seasons. Consider the following:

Between 2011 and 2017, there were only five instances in which an AAC pitchers averaged at least 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings (min. 75 IP): Shane McClanahan, Willis Montgomerie, Seth Romero, and Tim Cate – who did it twice.

And if it weren’t for the forearm issue, Cate very likely would have accomplished it three straight years. As for the other members of the group, McClanahan is very likely going to be a Top 10 pick this year; Montgomery, a former teammate of Cate’s, was a sixth round pick by the Dodgers last June; and Romero would have been in the running as the top pick in the 2017 if not for behavioral issues. Cate could very well ascend to a good #2-type arm. But he needs to prove that the forearm issue was just a momentary speed bump. And his control/command needs to take a tiny step forward.”

I was probably a little too optimistic about his ceiling. Well, I definitely was. But there’s some #3/#4-type caliber potential. He owns one of the better curveballs in the minors.

Ceiling: 2.0- to 2.5-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2020/2021

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Hit Power SB Field Overall 45/55 45/55 50 40/50 55

Background: It’s seems foolish now, but it goes to show how scouting – no matter how experienced and/or data driven – is a complete gamble. Washington handed Antuna a massive $3.9 million as part of their wild spending spree on the international market. Antuna’s hefty bonus easily surpassed the money given to Luis Garcia ($1.3 million), who has become a vastly more interesting prospect at this point in their respective careers. A 6-foot, 170-pound switch-hitting shortstop, Antuna made his debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2017, hitting a respectable .301/.382/.399 with 12 extra-base hits. Always an organization that aggressively challenges its top prospects, Washington pushed the teenage infielder straight up to the South Atlantic League last season. And, well, the results were quite disappointing: he batted a lowly .220/.293/.331 with just 14 doubles, two triples, and six homeruns in 87 games. His production, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus, was 19% below the league average mark.

Analysis: There’s an awful lot to consider with Antuna: (A) his age and level of competition, (B) the fact that he’s a switch-hitter, who – by the way – showed a massive platoon split in the Gulf Coast League two years ago, and (C) his production at the plate was trending in the right direction before his season ended prematurely in mid-July. Let’s take it point-by-point:

Age and level of competition: Antuna was one of just four 18-year-old hitters to receive at least 300 plate appearances in the South Atlantic League last season. The other three being Luis Garcia, Heliot Ramos, and Jose Devers. Antuna, by the way, posted the best walk-to-strikeout ratio among the group (0.41 BB/K) and the second best Isolated Power (.111). The young switch-hitter had the following platoon split in 2017: .341/.422/.457 (vs. RHP) and .143/.211/.171 (vs. LHP). His platoon splits last season were: .245/.312/.386 (vs. RHP) and .165/.252/.214 (vs. LHP). Month-by-month OPS totals from last season: .506 (April), .598 (May), .603 (June), and .846 (July). In fact, over his final 38 games last season Antuna slugged .252/.307/.408 with a 103 wRC+.

Antuna’s clearly not on the same developmental curve as, say, Luis Garcia. But the skill set is intriguing, albeit incredibly raw. Just give him time.

Ceiling: 2.5-win player

Risk: Moderate to High

MLB ETA: 2022

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9. Israel Pineda, C

Hit Power SB Field Overall 50 50/55 30 55 50

Background: Part of the club’s wild international spending spree three years ago that added the likes of Yasel Antuna, who signed for a hefty $3.9 million, and Luis Garcia. After a brief 17-game debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2017, Washington pushed the teenage backstop up to the New York-Penn League at the start of last season. And Pineda proved to be up to the challenge. In 46 games with the Auburn Doubledays, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound catcher batted .273/.341/.388 with seven doubles and four homeruns. He also nabbed 41% of would-be base stealers as well. Pineda’s offensive production, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by 18%, the best performance among all 18-year-olds in the league.

Analysis: First overshadowed by Antuna and now Garcia, Pineda, nonetheless, has shown a strong foundation on both sides of the ball. Average eye and hit tool with above-average power potential. Defensively, he was +4 behind the dish – in an admittedly small-ish sample size. Consider the following:

That’s a very promising mixture of prospects: Mejia’s going to be an above-average big league, as will Kelly now that he’s been dealt from St. Louis to Arizona. Franco’s a league average bat in Philadelphia. Torrens and Basabe are still working through the minor leagues. And Vasquez is a horrible human being who beat the snot out of his ex-girlfriend and no longer plays affiliated ball. Pineda looks like a fringy starter at this point. But, remember, backstops typically take a lot longer to develop.

Ceiling: 1.5- to 2.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2022

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10. Reid Schaller, RHP

FB SL CH Control Overall 80 55/60 40/45 45/50 50

Background: Recognized across the board as owning one of the best – if the best – fastball in the 2018 draft class. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound flame-thrower missed the entire 2017 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Schaller made it back to the mound last season for 21 appearances, all but two of them coming in relief, throwing 28.2 innings while recording an impressive 39 strikeouts against just nine walks en route to totaling a 3.77 ERA. Washington snagged the burly righty in the third round last June, 101st overall. Schaller split his debut season between the club’s Gulf Coast League affiliate and the Auburn Doubledays in the New York-Penn League.

Analysis: Schaller’s fastball will touch triple-digits in short stints, but his secondary offerings – a slider and changeup – remain quite raw. The slider will flash plus at times, but he doesn’t always finish the pitch, leaving it hanging at times. The changeup shows a little bit of run, though it’s a below-average offering. Washington, reportedly, has designs of moving Schaller into a full-time starter. And given his lack of experience – due to the elbow issue – there’s still considerable projection left. The most probably outcome is that Schaller slides back into a relief role – potentially becoming a dominant closer.

Ceiling: 2.0-win player

Risk: High

MLB ETA: 2021

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Statistics provided by FanGraphs, BaseballReference, BaseballProspectus, ClayDavenport, and TheBaseballCube.