Washington Nationals

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: The Nationals originally drafted Bennett as a 39th-round pick in 2019 out of high school. He turned down the offer and headed to Oklahoma, where he pitched with current Nationals top pitching prospect and former high school teammate, Cade Cavalli. Bennett is a lefthander with strong control who attacked the zone in college and was instrumental in the Sooners' 2022 College World Series finals appearance. At 6-foot-6, the southpaw has mastered a smooth and athletic approach on the mound. The Nationals drafted him in the second round in 2022 and signed him for slot value of just over $1.7 million.

Scouting Report: Bennett pitches with a three-pitch mix that is led by a fastball that sits in the 91-94 mph range. The pitch has played up with good deception and extension out in front. His changeup is his go-to secondary, and for good reason. It's a true plus pitch that sits between 82-85 mph and is especially effective against righthanded hitters. He rounds out his arsenal with his slider, which lacks the consistency of the other two pitches. Bennett is much more effective against righthanded hitters than same-side ones, thanks to his plus changeup. He relies on control to get outs, which allows him to limit walks. He might not be a hard thrower, but he will collect outs and continue to be a workhorse.

The Future: The southpaw has a chance to become a No. 4 or 5 starter for the Nationals. He will make his pro debut in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 50 Changeup: 60 Control: 55

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Cruz received the highest bonus by a 16-year-old in the 2020-21 international class when he signed with the Nationals for $3.9 million. In the Dominican Summer League in 2021, he hit .232 and hoped to show improvement in his first full season. In 2022, he spent the majority of the season in the Florida Complex League. His bat continues to be a work in progress, but his defensive work is starting to shine. Cruz was promoted to Low-A Fredericksburg in September, where he played three games.

Scouting Report: Scouts raved about Cruz's defensive skills at shortstop before he was signed and dubbed him the best defender in the class. His above-average speed and plus arm allow him to make tough plays look easy. If his defense continues to develop, he could be a Gold Glove-caliber defender. However, he needs to prove that he can hit. While Cruz hasn't shown much power, the organization is pleased with the improvements he made in 2022. The 18-year-old will need to add more strength to improve the quality of his contact, and while he struck out at just a 16.9% rate, he could stand to improve his swing decisions.

The Future: Cruz's glove will get him far. His ceiling is one of the elite defensive shortstops in baseball. His future on the Nationals' roster, however, will be determined if he can improve at the plate and take advantage of his natural bat-to-ball skills.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45 Power: 30 Speed: 55 Fielding: 65 Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: The Nationals drafted Henry in the second round in 2020 as a sophomore out of Louisiana State. After getting off to a hot start with High-A Wilmington in 2021, he missed the better part of three months with elbow soreness. He returned and joined the team's Arizona Fall League contingent. Henry opened 2022 with seven starts for Double-A Harrisburg before he was quickly promoted to Triple-A Rochester in June. He appeared to be on a fast track to Washington until he had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in late August.

Scouting Report: Prior to having TOS surgery, Henry threw both a two-seam and four-seam fastball, with the latter touching the high 90s. His best secondary pitch is his changeup followed closely by his improving curveball, a short breaker that has been an inconsistent offering for him. Both secondaries had flashed plus potential. In addition to his considerable stuff, Henry goes right after hitters, pitching with moxie and little fear. His reliever risk is enhanced following TOS surgery.

The Future: Henry joins Stephen Strasburg and Will Harris as Nationals pitchers who had TOS surgery. The future was bright for Henry, but now it's more uncertain. The average recovery time from TOS surgery is six to eight months, and the organization hopes Henry will be back in time for spring training.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 Curveball: 50 Changeup: 55 Control: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Parker was selected in the 2018 and 2019 drafts bud did not sign before the Nationals signed him as a fifth-round pick in 2020. Some of his stats did not reflect how truly productive his 2021 debut season was with Low-A Fredericksburg and High-A Wilmington. He took off in 2022 with Wilmington, where he posted a 2.88 ERA and near 27% strikeout rate, though he also walked batters at a 15% clip.

Scouting Report: Scouts describe Parker as a powerful, high-slot lefthander whose average fastball plays up with good carry at the top of the zone. While the fastball sits in the 90-94 mph range, it has elite carry and more than 21 inches of induced vertical break that helped it wrack up more whiffs than any of his other pitches. Mitchell throws a low-80s curveball as his most-used secondary, which is also his biggest emphasis during the offseason. He throws a mid-80s changeup and a low-80s splitter, the former with plus sinking life and the latter with some cutting life. Mitchell has a solid arsenal of pitches but needs to find a way to throw them for more strikes.

The Future: Parker could have performed at the Double-A level in 2022 if given the chance, so expect to see him start there in 2023. If he continues to improve, he has a chance to stick as a starter despite lacking a legitimate plus pitch. He could move to a bullpen role if he's unable to improve his control and get ahead in counts more frequently.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 Curveball: 50 Splitter: 55 Changeup: 45 Control: 40

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Lara was the top player in the Nationals' 2019 international class and signed for a $1.25 million bonus. After spending 2020 at the organization's facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and struggling at instructional league, his 2021 debut was much more promising. In 2022, he was the youngest pitcher on Low-A Fredericksburg's roster. He struggled in the Carolina League, especially in July where he owned a 7.31 ERA.

Scouting Report: Lara has a smooth delivery and an all-around athletic operation on the mound, but he needs to continue adding strength to his frame to sustain his mid-90s velocity throughout outings. His fastball sits around 94 mph and has touched 98, while both his secondaries need more refinement and consistency. Lara's slider was his go-to and best secondary in 2022. It's a low-80s slider that has slurve-like shape at times. An upper-80s changeup is his third offering, and he needs to develop more feel for it to become an average third pitch to fully round out his arsenal. It's a key focus of his offseason work. Lara is praised for his maturity and work ethic for his age, and he'll be in just his age-20 season during 2023.

The Future: Lara's confidence and ability to make adjustments impressed the organization, despite some ugly outings. The Nationals consider the 2022 season a 'learning year' and hope he can find a better routine in 2023. If he can develop an average third pitch, he could move quickly.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 55 Changeup: 45. Control: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Though Ward pitched mostly as a sinker/slider long reliever in college, the Red Sox believed he had the potential to add to those quality pitches to emerge as a starter. Ward added a four-seamer, cutter and curveball while dominating in two levels of Class A in 2019. But he blew out in early 2021 in Double-A Portland. Tommy John surgery sidelined him into the middle of 2022. Ward made an impressive return, forging a 2.28 ERA across four levels in 13 starts, concluding the year at Portland. The Nationals selected Ward with the first pick in the major league Rule 5 draft.

Scouting Report: Ward's strength remains his sinker--which was mostly 91-92 mph and topped out at 94 in 2022--and sweeper slider. His cutter plays from the same tunnel, which helped him leave righthanded hitters guessing. They hit .162/.227/.235. Ward's curveball is fringy and his four-seamer was ineffective, and he was hit hard by lefthanded hitters (.290/.389/.419 with 19% strikeouts and nearly 13% walks. Those splits combine with a below-average changeup to make him a safer bet as a reliever than as a starter, though improved four-seam command with a healthy offseason could give him back-of-the-rotation potential.

The Future: The Nationals believe Ward has another gear to reach as he returns from surgery. He is believed to be a starter long term but must build up his durability. Ward probably will be eased into the rotation by working in relief first. He must remain on Washington's active roster or else be offered back to the Red Sox if he clears waivers first.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 40. Slider: 55. Changeup: 40. Cutter: 45. Control: 45.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Along with righthander Andry Lara, Quintana was one of the Nationals' key targets in the 2019 international class. He signed for $820,000. He participated in instructional league after the canceled 2020 season and impressed, but he didn't play much in 2021 because of two hamstring tears. Quintana played just seven games in 2021. Finally healthy, he was a Florida Complex League all-star in 2022.

Scouting Report: Quintana will sink or swim based on how much he hits. He has plus raw power and got to some of it in games in 2022, hitting five homers in 50 games. He makes pretty good in-zone contact but needs to cut down his chase rate to become even an average hitter. As fills out, Quitnana's average speed will likely slow even more. However, it is worth watching his development after the hamstring injuries. At the plate, Quintana will need to be more aggressive and tap into the plus power and strength he has added. He has only played right field as a pro and will likely stick there as a capable defender.

The Future: Quintana projects as one of the most exciting young hitters in the system, but he needs a lot more reps. He signed in 2019 but has just 57 games under his belt and would benefit from a full season at Low-A. He has shown the Nationals glimpses of ability. They hope to see a breakout in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45 Power: 55. Speed: 45 Fielding: 50 Arm: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Cronin was a dominant reliever turned closer over three seasons at Arkansas. The Nationals drafted the lefty in the fourth round in 2019, and he made his debut at Low-A the same year. In 2021, he spent time in the Florida Complex League and High-A Wilmington before earning a jump to Double-A Harrisburg. He pitched lights out to start the 2022 season and allowed just five hits in 16.1 innings before earning a promotion to Triple-A in May. He was added to the 40-man roster in November.

Scouting Report: Cronin's fastball sits in the 90-91 mph range and touches 93-94. Excellent carry, including more than 22 inches of induced vertical break, helps it play up from that velocity. Cronin pitched heavily off his fastball but also used a trio of secondaries: a 12-to-6 curveball in the upper 70s, a low-80s split-changeup and a mid-80s slider. His curveball previously showed impressive potential, but he struggled to land the pitch for strikes in 2022 and metrics labeled it as Cronin's worst offering. His slider and split-change could wind up being more useful secondaries for him.

The Future: The Nationals believe that Cronin will be a lefthanded fixture in the bullpen moving forward.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 40. Slider: 50. Changeup: 45. Control: 45.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Pineda impressed when he signed out of Venezuela in 2016 for $450,000. However, he took a step back in 2019 and continued to struggle at High-A in 2021. He worked in the offseason to add strength and speed and it paid off in 2022, when he became one of the most improved prospects in the system. After starting the season repeating at High-A Wilmington, Pineda was promoted to Double-A Harrisburg after 67 games. He thrived in Harrisburg and slashed .280/.340/.538 and showed improved defensive skills. He finished the season with six games for Triple-A Rochester and then made his big league debut.

Scouting Report: Pineda's defense took a step forward in 2022, especially in the quickness in his hands. His framing still needs some work, but he has the mechanics to be one of the best catchers in the system. His pop times average sub-2.0 seconds--the major league average--on throws to second base and his arm is a true plus tool. He showcased his ability to control the running game. Across three minor league levels, Pineda threw out 38% of basestealers. He has a chance to be a powerful hitter--in the minors in 2022 he hit 16 home runs and 20 doubles while slugging .458-- but is aggressive at the plate. If he can slow things down and try to take advantage of mistakes, he could grow into an above-average offensive player.

The Future: The Nationals were encouraged by Pineda's development in 2022, which culminated in his first callup to Washington in his seventh pro season. If he can continue to grow defensively, he could become Washington's backup catcher of the future.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 30. Power: 50. Speed: 40. Fielding: 55 Arm: 60

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Nationals signed Ferrer out of the Dominican Republic in 2017 for $100,000. The lefty didn't break into full-season ball until 2022--but it was an impressive debut and something of a breakout season. He progressed from Low-A Fredericksburg to Double-A Harrisburg and across three levels posted a 2.48 ERA over 65.1 innings with a 30.5% strikeout rate and just a 4.3% walk rate. He earned an appearance in the Futures Game.

Scouting Report: Ferrer was known for his curveball when he signed, but in 2022 he developed his fastball and shaped his breaking ball into a slider. The fastball now sits at around 95 mph and has touched 99, with modest carry and spin. His slider sits in the upper 80s and flashes potential, but he needs to throw it for strikes more often. His third pitch is an upper-80s changeup that he lands at a high rate and used to generate whiffs at nearly a 50% clip. Command is still a work in progress for Ferrer, though his overall walk rates have been strong throughout his stateside career.

The Future: Ferrer was added to the Nationals' 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and he's seen as a lefty option in the bullpen. He will likely start the 2023 season at Double-A, but with another big year could see an MLB debut quickly.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 65. Slider: 50. Changeup: 50. Control: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Brzykcy was named the Cape Cod League reliever of the year in 2019 as a rising junior. It was a small sample compared to his body of work in the Atlantic Coast Conference at Virginia Tech, and he went undrafted during the pandemic-shortened five-round draft in 2020. Brzykey signed with the Nationals for $20,000 as a nondrafted free agent and has been dominant out of the bullpen. The reliever started the 2022 season at High-A but after 17 games was promoted to Double-A. He showed electric stuff and improved command--enough to jump three levels and end the year with Triple-A Rochester for two games.

Scouting Report: Brzykcy attacks the zone and uses his power fastball to get hitters out. His fastball sits in the 95-98 mph range. It has explosive life and excellent carry, by way of more than 22 inches of induced vertical break. He's not afraid to use his secondary pitches either. His curveball is just a tick above-average in the mid 80s, but it has a nice 11-to-5 shape and generated whiffs at a 33% rate. His repertoire is rounded out with a split-changeup that has some sink and sits in the high 80s.

The Future: Brzykcy has the makeup of a big league reliever, potentially someone who can pitch late innings. He isn't afraid to go after hitters and his command has significantly improved. He will likely start the season at Triple-A, but his MLB debut is imminent.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 65. Curveball: 55. Changeup: 45. Control: 45

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: The University of Oklahoma-to-Nationals pitching pipeline began with Irvin. He was selected by the club in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. He shared a roster with Nationals top pitching prospect Cade Cavalli for one year with the Sooners. Irvin started slow in 2019 at Low-A Hagerstown but finished the season strong. In 2020, during instructional league, he felt some tightness in his elbow and had Tommy John surgery that October. He sat out the entire 2021 season and returned to the mound in 2022, where he split time between High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg.

Scouting Report: Irvin has a three-pitch mix led by a fastball that sits around 94 mph and gets up to 97-98 at peak, with mediocre life. His go-to secondary is a low-80s curveball that is described as a power slurve by some scouts. He has good feel for his breaking ball, but a firm, upper-80s changeup remains a work in progress. Irvin has feel to throw all three pitches for strikes and posted a strong 6.6% walk rate.

The Future: The righthander's pitch quality gives him a chance to profile as a back-of-the-rotation starter, but he will need to build up his arm and get more innings versus age-appropriate competition in the upper minors.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50. Curveball: 55. Changeup: 40. Control: 55

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: Lee was selected as a draft-eligible sophomore in the 15th round in 2018. He impressed right away as mainly a reliever in the short-season New York-Penn League and began his work as a starter in 2021. He made his MLB debut in June 2022, his first stint above Double-A. Lee made three appearances out of the bullpen before straining the flexor tendon in his left elbow. He returned in late August and eased back into action. The Nationals needed space on the 40-man roster and outrighted Lee to Triple-A following the season.

Scouting Report: Lee's fastball has gotten into the mid 90s, but he more typically sits in the 90-91 mph range, with solid spin and carry. His curveball has plus potential and is his most consistent swing-and-miss offering. His low-to-mid-80s changeup had solid results in 2022, but it looks more like a below-average pitch moving forward, while Lee worked to add a hard cutter/slider breaking pitch to his arsenal in the upper 80s that needs more work as well. Lee has fringe-average control.

The Future: The Nationals still believe that Lee could be a starter once he fully recovers from the elbow injury. However, it is more likely that he becomes a bulk-inning reliever. He had never pitched at Triple-A prior to making his MLB debut. Despite the injury setback, the organization still views him as a reliable lefty option.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 40. Cutter: 45 Control: 45

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: The Nationals drafted Lipscomb out of Tennessee in the third round in 2022 and signed him for full slot value of $758,900. In his first three years with the Volunteers, the infielder didn't get a ton of reps, but he made up for it in his senior season. He began his pro career with Low-A Fredericksburg and looked calm, cool and collected during at-bats.

Scouting Report: Lipscomb looks comfortable at the plate and waits for pitchers to make a mistake. He keeps things simple, trusting his athleticism and hands to drive the ball. Lipscomb has an ability to make changes at the plate, which has turned heads in the organization. His swing follows a flat bat path and his exit velocities in his pro debut were modest, but his 22 home runs with Tennessee during the 2022 season were the second most in a season in the program's history. He has an average arm, which could play well at third base. However, the Nationals' plan is to develop him as a true utility player, despite getting all of his fielding innings at third base in his pro debut. Lipscomb can play all around the infield.

The Future: Lipscomb is seen as a player who has a little bit of everything, including power, defensive skill and speed. How his bat progresses as he faces more advanced pitching will ultimately determine his future role.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: Millas was drafted in the seventh round in 2019 by the Athletics, but his professional career didn't start until two years later. After a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and a blood clotting issue, the catcher impressed at High-A Landing in 2021. The Nationals acquired Millas and two other prospects in July of that year in the deal that sent Yan Gomes and Josh Harrison to Oakland. Millas improved defensively in 2022 and advanced to Double-A Harrisburg, where he struggled offensively, but he played in the Arizona Fall League and slashed .305/.333/.492 in 15 games.

Scouting Report: Millas is an athletic catcher with a plus arm and very quick hands. He's able to control the running game solidly--he threw out 26% of basestealers in 2022--but he's so excited to throw that he can sometimes make mistakes with his receiving. Millas could also stand to get lower in his stance and improve as a pitch framer--which is the biggest area where the Nationals want to see him improve behind the plate. Offensively, Millas showed solid plate discipline in the lower minors, but his strikeout rates and walk rates went in the wrong directions when he was challenged at Double-A, and he doesn't project for much power or impact.

The Future: Defense is what will get Millas to the big leagues. He has a real chance to be a backup catcher, but needs to work on being less aggressive at the plate. He'll need more reps against upper level arms, but his glove could give him a big league debut in the near future.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 30. Speed: 30. Fielding: 55. Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: The Dodgers signed Carrillo in 2016 out of Mexico as a 17-year-old for just $75,000. In 2021, he joined the Nationals in the blockbuster that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to Los Angeles and brought Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray to Washington. Carrillo quickly became one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the organization. He was sidelined initially in 2022 with a shoulder injury but returned in early July. His velocity was down, but as he got further away from injury his power started to come back.

Scouting Report: Carrillo's fastball sat 94-97 mph before the injury, but in 2022 he averaged 91-92 mph and peaked around 95. The Nationals are confident that velocity will come back, and his power sinking fastball was previously his calling card. He also has a hard slider/cutter hybrid that could be a plus secondary pitch and rounds out his arsenal with a mid-80s changeup that could be an average pitch.

The Future: The 2023 season is going to be important for Carrillo's development and should answer a lot of questions. He needs to prove he can regain his power fastball and that his command can improve enough to compete in the major leagues. His likely MLB role is low-leverage reliever.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 50. Changeup: 45. Control: 40

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme

Track Record: The Nationals signed Lile in the second round of the 2021 draft for an over-slot $1.75 million bonus. After a lackluster performance at the Florida Complex League in his pro debut, Lile didn't get a chance at an encore because he had Tommy John surgery in March and missed the entire 2022 season.

Scouting Report: Lile had a strong reputation as an advanced pure hitter in high school, with a long track record of performance. That has not translated yet in the 19 games he has played professionally. He has a quick, easy swing that allows him to make consistent contact and a mature approach that led to a walk rate near 19% in the FCL in 2021. Lile was never projected to generate a ton of power, but there is hope he can reach an average level down the line. His defense is average at best, with fring-average arm strength that makes him fit best in left field.

The Future: Lile is expected to be full-go for the 2023 season and will still be in his age-20 season. Once he returns, the Nationals will have a better idea of where his skill level is and whether his bat will be enough to allow him to profile as a corner outfielder.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 45.

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: Cate looks like a different pitcher than the one who was named the Nationals' minor league pitcher of the year in 2019. After the Nationals selected him in the second round of the 2018 draft, he excelled. However, he started to struggle when facing higher talent in Double-A in 2021. Cate began the 2022 season repeating High-A and pitched well, but he again struggled against Double-A hitters after a July promotion. He posted a 6.16 ERA in 57 innings with Harrisburg and then got hit around in the Arizona Fall League after the season--where he allowed 25 hits and 20 earned runs in just 10 innings.

Scouting Report: Cate's curveball remains his lone carrying pitch and it's still an effective breaking ball with high spin and velocity in the upper 70s, but the rest of his arsenal hasn't been quite good enough to help him set it up. Cate throws a fastball in the 88-90 mph range and the pitch tops out around 93 without any unique shape or deception to help it play up. He can cut the pitch at times, but it's solidly below-average, as is a mid-80s changeup that doesn't have much velocity separation from his fastball. Cate has shown solid control, but that backs up against upper level hitters as he's forced to nibble around the zone to try and avoid contact.

The Future: Considering only Cate's curveball, it still looks like he could find a place in the big league bullpen. However, the Nationals can't and won't overlook his inability to perform at the upper levels of the minors. The 2023 season will be big for Cate to see if he can re-establish his prospect stock.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 40. Curveball: 60. Changeup: 45. Control: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme

Track Record: Acevedo was one of the Nationals top two signings in 2023, along with Edwin Solano.

Scouting Report: Acevedo's tools have continued to tick up over the past couple of years, but for scouts highest on him, it's his bat that's his calling card. He's a lefty whose swing works well with the adjustability in his stroke to find the barrel against live pitching. As Acevedo has grown taller and gotten stronger, he has gone from a player who had occasional pull power into a hitter who is now able to drive the ball with more impact to all fields. He's athletic and has improved his speed to become an average runner, though he fits best in a corner.

The Future: Acevedo will make his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 45. Speed: 50. Fielding: 45. Arm: 45.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme

Track Record: In 2022, the Nationals put nearly all of their international bonus pool money toward signing Cuban outfielder Cristhian Vaquero. The year before, they did the same to sign Dominican shortstop Armando Cruz. For 2023, the Nationals are spreading their money around more, with Solano and lefthanded-hitting Dominican outfielder Andy Acevedo their two big targets.

Scouting Report: Solano has a strong, compact build and can sting the ball for extra-base damage. Power is his best tool, though he has good hands, a strong arm and runs well underway, with some scouts projecting him at second or third base long term.

The Future: Solano will make his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 55. Speed: 55. Fielding: 45. Arm: 55