Also like a year ago, two of three are here for the first time. Very much like years past, the third is ranked despite injury and offseason surgery
We’ll start with the New Kids on the Block, who we’re told have the right stuff, and then take a look at the one hanging tough.
ELI WILLITS (#31)
Like the Nats’ last 1-1 (Harper), Willits reclassified to make himself draft-eligible a year early. Eli also checks the Nats’ fetish for legacies box (son of Reggie, Angels OF). However, unlike legends such as Shane McCatty or Mariano Rivera, Willits is a five-tool prospect who just needs to “grow into his man body” and improve his exit velocity. Scouts do not think he’ll move off shortstop. Whether he returns to the southern ‘Burg or heads up 95 to Death Vall…er, Frawley is anyone’s guess.
HARRY FORD (#99)
Ford was acquired last month in a “Cyrano-for-Solo” trade with Seattle. Drafted out of HS in 2021, the Georgia native has played one season at all five domestic levels and made his MLB debut last September after posting a solid .868 OPS in AAA. There are questions about his defense, which led the Mariners to briefly try him in LF for eight games in ’24, but scouts now believe he’s tightened up his receiving from fringy to average. Expected to compete for a Opening Day assignment, though one would have to think that if he’s not the starter, he’ll be sent to Rochester to play every day.
JARLIN SUSANA (#68
“Fun” fact: Susana is the lone player acquired for Juan Soto in 2022 still in the Nats minors. That he is ranked and not Travis Sykora is probably (definitely) because the projection of a midseason return (vs. see you in ’27). When healthy, Susana boasts a triple-digit four-seamer, a high-90s two seamer, a low-to-mid-90s “changeup,” and a mid-80s slider with “curveball action.” Fearless prediction: Susana will be kept in Florida and on the road until his return to AA or AAA in August or September.
