 |
Andrew Stevenson DOB: 6/1/94 Ht. 6′ Wt. 185 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
Injuries in DC accelerated Stevenson’s timeframe as what may have been a two-level campaign became three, with just 20 games in AA and almost 40 in MLB. In between, he spent nearly 80 games at AAA, where his production fell and his K rate rose. A lack of power (just 21 XBH) continues to be a factor, especially without the contact to compensate. He runs well and defends well, but has a below-average arm. Ideally, Stevenson will spend 2018 in AAA and refine his game. |
 |
Victor Robles DOB: 5/19/97 Ht. 6′ Wt. 185 Bats: R Throws: R Career Stats |
It appears to be only a question of when—not if— Robles will go to D.C. in 2018. As was done in this space a year ago, his strengths are so well-known that it’s more useful to discuss his two weaknesses. The first: Robles hangs over the plate and seems unable (or unwilling) to avoid getting hit on the forearm. The second: he is reckless on the basepaths and gets picked off a lot. While these are correctable flaws, the worry is that he’ll get hurt worse than he has been already. |
 |
Daniel Johnson DOB: 7/11/1995 Ht. 5’10” Wt. 185 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
Perhaps no prospect made more progress last summer than Johnson, who began in Hagerstown and finished in Arizona pay no attention how he f(l)ailed there. His 22 HRs led the Nats minors for age-appropriate players (3rd overall), which scouts say is a result of learning to use his legs. While Johnson cut down on K’s in High-A he also took fewer walks and saw his power drop as well. He’ll probably still begin 2018 in AA, but his aggression (as seen in the AFL) could be exploited. |
 |
Juan Soto DOB: 10/25/1998 Ht. 6’1″ Wt. 185 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
Soto was sent to Low-A instead of SS-A and the Nats were rewarded with two broken bones and hamstring pull. When he wasn’t hurt, the 18-y.o. produced: .351/.415/.505 in 32 games with more walks (12) than whiffs (9). Scouts are still impressed by his advanced plate discipline and ability to make adjustments in the same at-bat. Defensively, he’s been playing RF but his arm is probably more suited to LF. Could start 2018 in either Potomac or Hagerstown. |
 |
Blake Perkins DOB: 9/10/1996 Ht. 6’1″ Wt. 165 Bats: S Throws: R Career Stats |
2017 was the first full season for Perkins and made significant offensive progress, leading the Sally Lg. in runs scored and the organization in walks drawn. He has the classic switch-hitter profile, hitting for average and contact as a righty (his natural side) but power and whiffs as a lefty (all of his HR’s, 14 of 27 2B’s, 23% vs. 14% K rate). He can also steal a base (31 of 39 tries) and is a solid defender with average-to-plus skills at any OF spot, with CF his best position. |
 |
Justin Connell DOB: 3/11/1999 Ht. 6’1″ Wt. 185 Bats: R Throws: R Career Stats |
Connell was the second batter taken and the highest HS pick (11th Rd.) in the 2017 Draft, as the Nationals signed him away from FIU for a $125K bonus. An IF (3B/SS) as an amateur, he made his professional debut as an OF (all three positions, but mostly in LF) and put together an impressive .323/.407/.365 season in the GCL, with five SB’s and more walks (14) than strikeouts (10). Connell is most likely ticketed for Auburn in his sophomore season, like the ↑Nats’ previous HS OF pick↑. |
|
Ricardo Mendez DOB: 1/24/2000 Ht. 6′ Wt. 155 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
Mendez was the #30 IFA in 2016 according to Baseball America and the Nats challenged the 17-y.o. with the GCL and he responded with a respectable line of .252/.319/.338 in 44 games, 38 of which he played in CF – the most on the team. When he was signed, he was considered a defensive standout with plus range, thanks to 65-70 speed, but a below-average arm. Given the glut of outfielders ahead of him, it seems most likely he’ll be in short-season ball again. |