Graduates

Dylan Crews, OF: While the 23-year-old had struggled to put all the pieces together at the plate, he was supplying baserunning value, power and strong defense, including in center field as he filled in for the injured Jacob Young.

Risers

Alex Clemmey, LHP: The 6-foot-6 southpaw streamlined his delivery in the offseason to throw more strikes. His power stuff remains intact at High-A Wilmington, where in May he showed signs of harnessing his command more consistently.

Luke Dickerson, SS: After signing for a second-round record $3.8 million last year, Dickerson showed an intriguing blend of hitting ability, power, patience, athleticism and defensive acumen at Low-A Fredericksburg.

Daylen Lile, OF: Physical maturity and strength gains have helped the 22-year-old realize greater bat speed and running speed, while an effort to make contact out front has helped boost his isolated slugging. The Nationals called up Lile from Triple-A Rochester in May following an injury to Jacob Young.

Fallers

Seaver King, SS: The former Wake Forest star, who was drafted 10th overall last year, was holding serve at High-A Wilmington by using a contact-oriented, all-fields approach. Too much chasing out of the zone had cut into his productivity and impact. Still, the Nationals promoted him to Double-A Harrisburg in early June. 

Cayden Wallace, 3B: Acquired in the July 2024 trade that sent Hunter Harvey to the Royals, Wallace has struggled to make contact or impact the ball at Double-A Harrisburg. A high chase rate is the main culprit.

Elijah Green, OF: Green’s high-end exit velocity is off the charts at High-A Wilmington, but the 2022 fifth overall pick hasn’t been able to rein in his strikeout rate to make the most of his game-changing power.  

Injuries

Jarlin Susana, RHP: Susana felt something in his elbow while throwing a bullpen for Double-A Harrisburg in early May. He was diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprain of his UCL and missed most of May and will be out at least half of June.  

Jake Bennett, LHP: Bennett is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Nationals hope he can get back into games by the end of June. He worked to improve his conditioning and delivery while rehabbing and was flashing two ticks more velocity on his fastball, which raised his average to 93 mph with a peak of 95.

Tyler Stuart, RHP: Acquired from the Mets for Jesse Winker last July, Stuart came down with arm soreness in spring training and was working his way back into shape at lower levels before resuming his time at Triple-A Rochester. 

New Additions

Cole Henry, RHP: Henry shifted to the bullpen this spring and looks as good in the role as he did before having thoracic outlet surgery in 2022. Called up to Washington early in the season, he was gaining trust in higher leverage situations. 

Jackson Kent, LHP: The 2024 fourth-rounder is a physical lefthander at High-A Wilmington who has a four-pitch mix, a potential plus changeup and the aptitude to stick in the rotation. 

Yoel Tejeda, RHP: The extra-tall righthander gets great extension and presents batters with a tough look. Improved control in pro ball have helped him take a step forward.  

Riley Cornelio, RHP: Cornelio is throwing harder and more efficiently this season in what has been a step-forward season at Double-A Harrisburg. The 25-year-old has developed into a rotation depth candidate. 

Jorgelys Mota, 3B: Double-plus raw power is the draw for the 20-year-old at Low-A Fredericksburg, though his speed and arm strength also intrigue. He strikes out too much now, but If he can make more contact, he could take off.

Davian Garcia, RHP: Garcia throws hard and has a feel for spin but needs a third pitch to guarantee a future in the rotation.