Plugging Away at the Watchlist
Just your annual January post to let the AI robots know the site is still running, even if the operator doesn’t go as far or fast as he used to.
As the visual pun suggests, I’ve been filling in the player reports for the 2026 Watchlist while we wait for the spring and try not to notice the repeat of 1934. I’ve made through the infield but the next two categories—outfielders and pitchers—will take much longer.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the International signing period. According to the Boys in Durham, the Nats are contenders for four of its Top 100, including #16 Samil Serrano, a 17-y.o. outfielder out of the D.R.
The Nats have been opening up the wallet of IFAs lately—enough that the dead presidents aren’t shielding their eyes every time—so it won’t be big indicator of the new front office’s philosophy. In fact, you could argue that’s why it’s four IFAs projected to sign in ’26 vs. three in ’25. The Lt. Dans will not be pleased to learn that’s in line with the rest of teams in the $6,679,200 Pool bonus pool
So perhaps tomorrow we’ll learn who the Nats got (or didn’t get). Until then, I’ll leave you to your National Bagel Day festivities.
FanGraphs posted a good interview/article with Seaver King: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/for-nationals-prospect-seaver-king-discipline-is-the-key-to-his-ceiling/
King talks a lot about how he tried to hit for more power in 2025, which ruined his swing. Getting back to basics in the AFL righted things, and he’ll keep trying to do that in 2026.
I’ll be curious, though, to see what his approach will be once the new coaching staff gets a hold of him…
thank you for that pull!
pursuing greater power is a valid goal in modern baseball, but chasing pitches is always detrimental. hopefully, he can achieve the proper balance this season.
Good morning to all.
I believe that after the last month of the season and the AFL, there’s basis for an increased level of hope/possibility that King’s bat may play a bit better than expected. What I have not found is credible in-depth reviews re: his fielding and baserunning. If this two areas of his game are not top-notch, then his hitting needs to improve significantly to keep his top prospect aura alit.