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Top Washington Nationals Prospects Head to the Minors

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With the current state of its revamped farm system, it seems that the next great Washington Nationals team will be led by a loaded outfield. Although the rebuild won’t fully come to fruition in 2024, Tuesday’s news shows that the new wave could start sooner rather than later.

Top prospect Dylan Crews told reporters before a Nationals exhibition game that he will start the season at Double-A Harrisburg. Additionally, James Wood, ranked second in Washington’s system by MLB Pipeline, will begin his season at Triple-A Rochester.

With this news, both outfield prospects possess a real opportunity to make their big league debut sometime this season. Wood will likely receive the first opportunity, but Crews might not be too far behind.

Nationals Prospects Starting the Season in the Minors

Dylan Crews

The Nationals drafted Crews out of LSU with the second overall pick in last June’s draft. At the time, many evaluators felt that he could have at least held his own if immediately promoted to the majors. Instead, Washington sent him to Single-A Fredericksburg where he raked.

In 14 games, the Nationals prospect hit .355 with three doubles, five homers, and an OPS of 1.068. This production earned the college star a quick promotion to Double-A. However, a long season might have affected Crews as he struggled at this level.

In 20 games, Crews hit just .208 while striking out 19 times. When taking into account his college season, 2023 might have been the most games Crews ever played in a year, all the while with the most pressure. Plus, Double-A is widely considered the most challenging minor league level.

Evaluators still view Crews’ potential favorably and mostly chalk up his Double-A struggles to mental and physical fatigue, coupled with the natural learning curve. While his struggles continued during Spring Training (.156 with 12 strikeouts in 20 games), the Nationals still have faith that the top prospect will rebound and make his debut late in 2024.

James Wood

The Nationals acquired Wood at the 2022 deadline from the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto trade. Evaluators compared his size to Aaron Judge and dreamed of how his power would progress as his body developed.

Well, the top prospect has progressed as much as hoped. He clobbered 23 homers last season as a 20-year-old and got off to a great start during Spring Training. Overall, he hit .364 with four homers in 22 Grapefruit League games.

While his size, power, and speed dazzle many, he will have to cut down his strikeouts to fully realize his potential. Last year, Wood struck out at a 33.7 percent clip at Double-A. According to MLB Pipeline, Wood struggled to make contact at too many sliders, changeups, and splitters. Major League pitchers will easily take advantage of this, so Wood must make necessary adjustments.

The second-ranked Nationals prospect will start the season in Triple-A and will be one phone call away from the majors. Washington has several lefty sluggers starting the season in the majors. But if Wood plays well and one of them struggles, a promotion likely will come quickly.

One year from now, the Nationals Opening Day outfield could likely see Wood in right and Crews in center. With more top Nationals prospects not too far behind them, Washington might not be too far off from winning their next World Series championship.

Main Photo: © Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

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