The next wave of Nationals has already started to reach the major leagues. James Wood is locked into the outfield, leaving Dylan Crews as the highest-ranking prospect. Behind him, there are two intriguing pitchers in Jarlin Susana and Travis Sykora, and one high-profile bat in Brady House. After that, the farm system thins out dramatically with lots of unknowns in the players that follow. Washington is hoping that several of their recent international free-agent signings will take the next step in 2025 to help add depth to this farm system.
This article is part of a series focusing on each MLB team’s top 20 prospects for fantasy baseball heading into the 2025 season. Stay tuned for prospect breakdowns for all 30 teams throughout January here at Pitcher List, and be sure to check out all our published pieces in the series.
Top Nationals Prospects
The Top Tier
1) Dylan Crews – OF, 22 YO
2024 MiLB Stats (AA/AAA): .270 AVG | .342OBP | .451 SLG | 13 HR | 25 SB | 20.5 K% | 8.0 BB%
2024 MLB Stats: .218 AVG | .288OBP | .353 SLG | 3 HR | 12 SB | 19.7 K% | 8.3 BB%
After a standout collegiate career with LSU, Dylan Crews entered the Nationals organization with high expectations. As many prospects from the top of the put up big minor league numbers, the start to Crews’ career started to feel like a disappointment. This however to no fault of his own. Crews played well in his professional debut back in 2023 and continued this success in 2024. In 608 minor league plate appearances, Crews hit .275 with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases. The Nationals saw enough to promote Crews to the major leagues to end 2024. They will now rely on him and former prospect James Wood as cornerstone pieces for years to come.
For dynasty managers, Crews may not ever finish as the 1.01 player in fantasy. That does not make him a bust. Crews has excellent speed and has shown a willingness to run early in his professional career. His 600 PA pace in the major leagues last season was 55 stolen bases. Any player with that kind of speed upside is an instant asset for fantasy managers. From a power standpoint, Crews lacks the batted ball data to project as a big power threat. He profiles for 18-20 home runs per season but when paired with 40+ stolen bases it is easy to realize his offensive upside. Crews is a significant dynasty asset that fantasy managers will be able to rely on for years to come.
2) Jarlin Susana – SP, 20 YO
2024 Stats (A/A+): 103.2 IP | 4.34 ERA | 35.4 K% | 10.8 BB%
Jarlin Susana was thrust into the limelight when he was included as part of the Juan Soto trade with San Diego. At just 18 years old, Susana was already hitting triple-digits consistently with one of the liveliest arms in all of minor league baseball. The issue at the time of the trade was Susana was a thrower, not a pitcher. What does that mean? Susana had excellent stuff but had no idea where it was going. This led to walks and posed a significant threat to move him into the bullpen. Flash forward a couple of years to now and Susana has developed into one of the game’s premier pitching prospects. Across his final 16 starts of 2024, Susana looked like a different pitcher. He posted a 2.79 ERA while walking just 9.3% of the batters he faced.
As Susana’s control has improved, his stuff still remains elite. He features two different fastballs that both profile as plus offerings. His four-seam sits at 100 on the gun with the ability to touch 103. He features a two-seam/sinker that gets good arm-side run and also sits in the upper 90s. If Susana’s two plus fastballs were not enough, he also mixes in a filthy slider and a changeup that gets excellent drop down in the zone. Every pitch in Susana’s arsenal is a plus offering. He has the strikeout upside that fantasy managers dream of. Yes, there is still some relief risk. Susana has never pitched deeper than five innings, and he works exclusively out of the stretch. However, few pitchers in minor league baseball possess the kind of upside that Susana has.
3) Travis Sykora – SP, 20 YO
2024 Stats (A): 85 IP | 2.33 ERA | 39.2 K% | 8.2 BB%
The Nationals’ third-round pick from 2023 put up dominant numbers in his first professional season. The 6’6″ righty pitched the entire year at Low-A finishing with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.87 FIP. Sykora increased his fantasy appeal by striking out 39.2% of batters he faced while also managing to limit the free passes. Sykora’s arsenal is comprised of three pitches. His fastball sits 93-94 and does not generate much movement. His big frame helps the pitch to play up as Sykora gets downhill on the mound quickly. Where Sykora makes a name for himself are his breaking pitches. He features a slider and splitter both sitting 83-85. His slider dives down and away to righties while his splitter also dives down but breaks in on righties’ hands. Both are plus offerings although he commands the splitter better.
One of the surprises from last season was the team’s decision not to move Sykora to High-A at any point. With only three pitches and mediocre fastball velocity, it is fair to wonder how his stuff will play against tougher competition. Sykora also has some relief risk in his delivery. Both his windup and stretch offerings are very similar, although the height of his plant leg differs from time to time. Developing more consistency in his delivery is a key step to his development. For dynasty managers, Sykora’s 2024 season should not go unnoticed. His breaking pitches give him significant strikeout upside and his control could allow him to move quickly in 2025.
4) Brady House – 3B, 21 YO
2024 Stats (AA/AAA): .241 AVG | .297 OBP | .402 SLG | 19 HR | 6 SB | 26.4 K% | 5.7 BB%
Anytime a 6’4″ shortstop gets drafted in the first round, dynasty managers take notice. Even after a shift to third base, House has been a coveted dynasty asset since being drafted by the Nationals 11th overall in 2021. His power projection is significant and House finally seemed to put things together last season. After a previous high of 12 home runs, House hit 19 between Double and Triple-A in 2024. This is a great sign for dynasty managers as House’s fantasy value is dependent on his home run totals. House does not have much speed and does not project to be a threat to run. In addition, House’s hit tool is suspect at best. Not only is House extremely aggressive, but he also struggles to make consistent contact.
House’s current approach at the plate increases the likelihood of him struggling early on at the major league level. Major league pitchers have no problem exploiting aggressive batters with holes in their swing. That being said, there is upside to House’s profile. His home run rate has been above-average throughout his time in the minor leagues. A good ceiling comp for House is Austin Riley. Riley also struggled with strikeouts early in his professional career before turning into one of the game’s premier power hitters. House has a lot of similarities but there is no telling whether or not his development will be as much of a success.
5) Seaver King – 2B/SS/3B, 21 YO
2024 Stats (A): .295 AVG | .367 OBP | .385 SLG | 0 HR | 10 SB | 14.4 K% | 10.0 BB%
After playing his first two collegiate seasons at Wingate University, Seaver King going in the top ten picks was not on many bingo boards. However, an excellent final season at Wake Forest led to the Nationals making an under-slot pick to take King this past season. Pure athleticism is one of King’s best traits. He has experience playing all over the diamond and plays every position well. King played all 20 of his professional games at shortstop although he projects better at second base long-term. Defensive versatility is always valuable for major league teams and could help King move quickly through the minor leagues.
For dynasty managers, King’s best fantasy tool will be his speed. King is quick on the bases and stole 10 bags in just 20 games after being drafted. His speed and baseball IQ lead to a future stolen base projection of 30+. At the plate, King has quick hands and utilizes a small leg kick to improve his timing. His approach at the plate needs some adjustments, but if he can develop a bit more patience, his hit tool will also be a plus attribute. While King has average raw power, his current batted ball data suggests his game power will be underwhelming. King does not pull the ball enough or get it in the air consistently enough to project for above-average pop. A fair future projection is a .260 average with 15 homers and 30ish stolen bases. Bryson Stott is a good future comp for what King could become.
6) Angel Feliz – SS/3B, 18 YO
2024 Stats (DSL): .310 AVG | .381 OBP | .468 SLG | 4 HR | 27 SB | 18.6 K% | 10.8 BB%
When evaluating international free agent prospects, athleticism and projectability are key indicators of a future top prospect. Angel Feliz certainly has both of those qualities. The 17-year-old 6’3″ shortstop signed with the Nationals out of the Dominican Republic this past season. Feliz put up strong numbers in his debut season slashing .310/.381/.468/ He hit four home runs and stole 27 bases. Feliz played only shortstop in the DSL but 15 errors in 46 starts indicates a future position change is likely.
Even assuming a shift to third base, there is a lot to like in Feliz’s profile. His stolen base totals are likely to slow down as he matures, but there is still plus speed here. Beyond that, there is plenty of power for Feliz to grow into. Currently, Feliz’s batting stance is loud. An open stance, a leg kick, and active hands all play a part. While this led to some loud contact, it also resulted in a high ground ball rate and high swinging strike rate. The Nationals will likely look to quiet Feliz’s stance in the coming years to help develop his hit tool. If dynasty managers are looking for unknown power/speed prospects, Feliz should be at the top of many lists. Feliz is far from a finished product, but there is a lot to dream on.
7) Cade Cavalli – SP, 26 YO
2024 Stats (CPX/A+): 8.1 IP | 2.16 ERA | 41.9 K% | 16.1 BB%
For years, Cade Cavalli was the Nationals’ top pitching prospect. The former first-round pick from 2020 routinely showed flashes of brilliance in the minor leagues but struggled with consistency throughout his professional career. He made one start with the Nationals toward the end of 2022 but was shut down and ultimately underwent Tommy John surgery in spring training of 2023. Cavalli missed the entirety of the 2023 season and pitched just 8.1 innings this past year before being shut down with dead arm. Nearly two lost seasons later, Cavalli is reportedly healthy again and ready for spring training entering 2025. At this point, it is fair to wonder what Cavalli will look like on the mound.
Now 26, Cavalli is no spring chicken. However, his stuff still creates intrigue for dynasty managers. The last time Cavalli was fully healthy, his four-seam was averaging 95 mph on the gun with a good feel for his curveball, changeup, and slider. There is upside here, but who knows how much of that Cavalli has left. He represents a lottery ticket for dynasty managers. He probably will not cost that much to acquire and has potential, but the likelihood of him turning into a reliable fantasy asset is probably low.
Prospects Dynasty Managers Should Know
8) Yohandy Morales – 3B, 23 YO
2024 MiLB Stats (A/AA): .283 AVG | .368 OBP | .416 SLG | 7 HR | 5 SB | 22.8 K% | 10.4 BB%
After hitting 38 home runs in his final two seasons at Miami, Yohandy Morales was viewed to have some of the best raw pop in the 2023 draft class. Morales struggled out of the gate this season, ultimately suffering a thumb injury that cost him over two months of action. However, Morales returned to slash .324/.416/.482 across his final 161 plate appearances. Morales’ power is legit and his .308 batting average through his first 498 professional plate appearances is nothing to scoff at.
9) Alex Clemmey – SP, 19 YO
2024 Stats (A): 92.1 IP | 4.58 ERA | 31.5 K% | 16.1 BB%
Alex Clemmey’s landing with the Guardians felt like a dream come true for dynasty managers who were excited about his projectability and stuff. Clemmey owns a mid to upper-90s fastball from the left side and a slider that can make opposing batters look silly. Unfortunately, both with Cleveland and then with Washington, Clemmey struggled to control his stuff in his first professional season. Clemmey walked over 16% of batters although his strikeout rate was over 30%. There is plenty of upside here, but also plenty of development left for Washington to help Clemmey work through.
10) Tyler Stuart – SP, 25 YO
2024 Stats (AA/AAA): .122.1 IP | 4.12 ERA | 25.9 K% | 7.1 BB%
The Nationals acquired Tyler Stuart from the Mets at this past trade deadline. Standing at 6’9″, Stuart repeats his delivery surprisingly well but lacks any impressive extension on his pitches. Both his sinker and four-seam hover around 94 mph and his slider generated a whiff rate of 36% in Triple-A last season. Stuart is more of a pitch-to-contact pitcher lowering his fantasy ceiling. He projects as a mid-to-back of the rotation guy for Washington and will hold some fantasy appeal depending on his matchups. Expect to see Stuart in the Major Leagues next season.
11) Luke Dickerson – SS, 19 YO
2024 Stats: DNP
The Nationals selected Luke Dickerson 44th overall in this past draft. Like many kids from the Northeast, there is less data and insight into his game than some other high school prospects, but the Nationals clearly liked what they saw and wound up giving him a record-setting $3.8 million. Dickerson has the chance to develop into plus power with his already plus speed giving him an intriguing profile for dynasty managers.
12) Victor Hurtado – OF, 17 YO
2024 Stats (DSL): .218 AVG | .310 OBP | .331 SLG | 3 HR | 3 SB | 21.3 K% | 11.0 BB%
Victor Hurtado was one of the highest-ranked prospects from last year’s international signing class. The 6’3″ outfielder struggled in his first taste of professional action finishing the DSL with a 76 wRC+. Still only 17, there is plenty of time for Hurtado to develop into a relevant dynasty asset. He has good speed and excellent raw power, leaving his hit tool as the biggest question mark.
13) Daylen Lile – OF, 22 YO
2024 Stats (A+/AA): .262 AVG | .347 OBP | .388 SLG | 6 HR | 25 SB | 17.3 K% | 9,6 BB%
Not every prospect is a superstar and that seems to be the case for Daylen Lile. Lile has posted strong numbers in his professional career, but watching him play, there is not much left in terms of projection. He has underwhelming power and his speed does not profile to be game-changing. Lile is a solid prospect with a good hit tool, but there is not too much to get overly excited about.
14) Robert Hassell III – OF, 23 YO
2024 Stats (A+/AA/AAA): .241 AVG | .319 OBP | .328 SLG | 5 HR | 15 SB | 21.0 K% | 9.7 BB%
There is a possibility that Robert Hassell’s past prospect pedigree has kept him ranked too highly yet again. Hassell has never been able to develop his game power the way many thought he could. He still has plus speed, but even his hit tool remains a concern. Hassell hit .213 with zero home runs against lefties last season and does not profile as much more than a fourth outfielder at this point.
15) Elijah Green – OF, 21 YO
2024 Stats (A): .208 AVG | .293 OBP | .355 SLG | 13HR | 39 SB | 44.0 K% | 9.8 BB%
Elijah Green is the poster child for why it may not be a good thing to be labeled as a “super-athletic” prospect. Nothing is wrong with athleticism, but labels like that are often used to cover up flaws in a player’s game. In Green’s case, that is his hit tool. Green struck out 44% of the time last season which is in line with his numbers as a professional. His impressive raw power and excellent speed are irrelevant if he does not fix his hit tool soon.
The Next Five
Although these prospects do not crack the top 15, dynasty managers should keep their eye on these five players.
Andry Lara – 22 YO- A command-over-stuff pitcher whose strikeout rate dropped from 32% in High-A down to 22% in Double-A.
Cayden Wallace – 23 YO- A third baseman who does a lot of the little things well but does not profile to be an impactful fantasy asset in the long run.
Brad Lord – 24 YO- Sinker ball pitcher who dominated Double-A this past year but has an underwhelming fastball that profiles to struggle against major league batters.
Andrew Pinckney – 24 YO – 6’4″ outfielder who struggles to get the ball in the air consistently and has posted poor contact skills in his brief major league career.
Jose Feliz – 19 YO – An unknown pitching prospect with an athletic frame who posted strong numbers in the DSL this past season.