A Minor Review of 2016: Washington Nationals

Welcome to the annual series that provides both a review of your favorite teams’ 2016 season, as well as a early look toward 2017. It also serves as a helpful guide for keeper and dynasty leagues.

The Graduate: Trea Turner (SS): It took a little time for the Nationals’ veteran-loving manager to agree to give Turner a shot but once the freshman received the opportunity he never looked back (although it wasn’t even at his natural position of shortstop). The 13th overall selection in the 2014 draft was a real spark plug for the playoff contender by producing a .342 average with 33 steals in just 73 games. He also showed unexpected pop by hitting 13 homers in the Majors and six in the minors (after never hitting more than five in a season). Turner should be a top-of-the-order threat and mainstay in center field for the foreseeable future in Washington.

The Riser: Victor Robles (OF): Listed as the “lottery ticket” last year, Robles has quickly risen to become the best offensive prospect in the Nationals system. He’s as four-tool prospect with his power being the only below-average skill right now. He’s shown the knack for making strong contact and projects to hit for a high average despite his inexperience (He’s only 19). Robles also has well-above-average speed that has turned him into a threat on the base paths and also makes him and above-average fielder (along with a strong arm). Perhaps the most impressive thing about this young hitter, though, is his maturity and professionalism — both of which should help him get every ounce of ability out of his tools.

The Tumbler: A.J. Cole (RHP): Originally drafted and signed for $2 million by the Nationals, Cole has had an up-and-down career due to a lack of consistent command. He possesses a four-pitch mix and a strong pitcher’s frame but he allows too many hits and doesn’t miss enough bats (109 Ks in 124.2 innings at AAA in ’16). Cole, 24, is also an extreme-fly-ball pitcher. He did earn a big league promotion this past season but produced a 5.17 ERA in eight starts. With significant depth and lots of high ceiling arms in the system, Cole could be trade fodder this offseason.

The ’16 Draft Pick: Dane Dunning (RHP): After years of well-documented mediocrity in the player development field, the Nationals are becoming an assembly line for big league hurlers. Dunning was highly regarded as a prep pitcher but he turned down the Blue Jays and went to the University of Florida where he struggled to crack the starting rotation due to the sheer mass of talented arms. As a result, he spent most of his college career in the bullpen but immediately converted to a start in pro ball and thrived in eight starts. The good news is that the reduced innings could help him stay healthy in pro ball but the downside is that he didn’t have as much time to work on improving his breaking ball, which is inconsistent. His other two offerings, though, should be above-average, if not plus (fastball, changeup).

The Lottery Ticket: Juan Soto (OF): The recent addition of Soto to the system adds yet another impressive athlete to the Nationals glut of outfield talent, which also includes Victor Robles (see above), Rafael Bautista and Andrew Stevenson. Just 17 during the regular season in ’16, Soto posted a .973 OPS in short-season ball. His advanced approach for his age was evident in his ability to hit .368 with just 29 strikeouts in 51 games. Soto also possesses above-average raw power but he has yet to fully tap into that in game situations. Once he does, he could become a true threat from the left side of the plate and projects to develop into a middle-of-the-order threat and corner outfielder.

For reference sake, here is the 2015 Review.





Marc Hulet has been writing at FanGraphs since 2008. His work focuses on prospects and fantasy. Follow him on Twitter @marchulet.

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