Last winter most people saw the Nationals roster pretty well spoken for, and with little room for anyone besides perhaps top prospect Anthony Rendon to warrant any significant playing time. Unfortunately due to multiple injuries to the pitching staff, last season the Nationals received unexpected production from young players Taylor Jordan, Ian Krol, and Tanner Roark. Each player to a degree was off the organizational radar this time last year, yet each played a vital role for the Nationals in 2013.
Today I try to identify a few names that could play a positive role for the Nationals in 2014. Like Rendon this time last year, many would immediately mention prospects such as AJ Cole, Lucas Giolito, or Robbie Ray to play a similarly impactful role in Washington next season, but these are some other players that could earn significant playing time in 2014.
5) Zach Walters
Walters received a September promotion to Washington after a strong season in Triple-A Syracuse, batting .253/.286/.517 with 29 home runs. With Danny Espinosa a likely trade candidate, and the injury history of Ian Desmond and particularly Anthony Rendon, Walters is only one injury away from seeing significant playing time in the middle infield next season.
4) Robert Benincasa
The Nationals 7th round pick in 2012 from Florida State University, Benincasa had a successful 2013 across both levels of A-ball, pitching 51 innings and posting a 3.00 ERA with 64 strikeouts and 27 saves. With a 92-94mph fastball described as “heavy” and an above-average slider, Benincasa should start next season as the closer in Double-A, and could find himself in Washington sometime in 2014.
3) Steven Souza Jr.
Recently added to the 40-man roster to shield him from the upcoming Rule 5 draft, Souza has begun to put his immense tools into production, hitting .300/.396/.557 with 15 home runs in 77 games in 2013. Drafted by Washington in the 3rd round in 2007, Souza has impressive tools and could be the latest in a trend of late-blooming power hitting corner outfielders (Mike Morse / Tyler Moore) for the Nationals.
2) Aaron Barrett
Another late-round pitching gem mined by the Nationals, Barrett was the team’s 9th round pick in the 2011 draft from the University of Mississippi. Armed with a low-90s fastball and a devastating slider, Barrett overwhelmed Double-A hitters this season with a 2.15 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and 26 saves in 50.1 innings pitched. Barrett should start next season as the closer in Syracuse, and could be the first option if any of the right-handed relievers end up on the disabled list.
1) Sammy Solis
Solis has battled injuries since being drafted in the 2nd round by the Nationals in 2010, undergoing Tommy John surgery which caused him to miss all of 2012 and pitch only 59.2 innings in 2013. However, Solis has pitched well in the Arizona Fall League, making a favorable impression with a 2.17 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched. A polished left-handed pitcher with a solid low-90s fastball, curveball, and changeup, Solis was mentioned recently by General Manager Mike Rizzo as a possible option as a lefty in the Nationals bullpen next year. Expect Solis to begin 2014 in the starting rotation in Double-A, and if he can stay healthy, he should debut in Washington sometime late in the season.