Who Are The Sleepers Currently in the Nationals Farm System?

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While in the midst of a terrible case of “Writer’s Block” Monday evening, loyal reader and friend of the site, Jon Feng, sent me an interesting Twitter question – “Who is a Nats prospect no one is talking about”?  Unfortunately this query is somewhat difficult because the Nationals fan base is rather prospect savvy and trying to identify someone who is unknown is nearly impossible. That said three names in the Washington system I do not believe are receiving enough attention are Joan Baez, Dale Carey and Victor Robles.

Joan Baez

Signed by Washington out of the Dominican Republic in April 2014, Joan Baez has been steadily gaining helium as a prospect within the Nationals farm system.  The 20-year-old Baez has split time between Auburn and Hagerstown this season, struggling with results but showing future promise as a pitcher.  Baez is a well-built and wiry 6-3 190lbs with a 3-pitch repertoire featuring a 92-96mph fastball, a firm upper-70s curveball and a hard mid-80s changeup.  Baez really struggles currently repeating his mechanics and maintaining his arm slot, causing him to struggle walking hitters and throwing quality strikes.  However, Baez shows current plus or better fastball velocity and the potential for a future above-average curveball with further refinement, making him a strong profile for a 7th or 8th inning shutdown relief pitcher in several years.  This is yet another quality, under the radar Latin American signing by the Washington scouting staff.

Dale Carey

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Dale Carey CF

Dale Carey was Washington’s 7th round pick last summer as a below-slot senior sign from the University of Miami.  At draft time, Carey was selected with the reputation as an exceptional pure athlete who had underachieved in his time in college. Carey has above-average to plus speed and a strong throwing arm, allowing him to profile well defensively at all three outfield positions.

Offensively Carey struggles with whiffs and strikeouts, limiting his ability to get on-base and make an impact stealing bases. However, he does have fringe average home run power and peppers the gaps with doubles when he makes quality contact. Carey does not have a huge ceiling due to the contact issues, but I expect his defensive talents, tremendous speed, and occasional power to allow him to reach the majors in a backup outfielder capacity. This was a tremendous below-slot second day selection for Washington last June.

Victor Robles

Signed by the Washington Nationals as an international free agent in July 2013, the 18-year-old Robles is breaking out in prospect circles like a teenager with acne.  Robles defensively is an elite defensive outfielder with outstanding speed, a cannon for an arm and elite instincts in center field.  This allows him to project as an easy plus or better defender in center field in the major leagues.

Like most 18-year-olds, Robles’s offensive skills somewhat lag behind his defense, although he shows impressive bat speed and a solid approach at the plate.  Listed at 6-0 185lbs, Robles projects to add power as he physically matures but will need to shorten his swing as he moves up through the minor leagues and faces better quality pitching.  That said, Robles profiles as an impact defensive centerfielder with a good chance to hit for average and extra base hits.  Robles is still raw and will need several years to develop, but he is a future major leaguer with the talent to be a league average starter.  Robles will be a sought after name this month in trade discussions as Washington seeks to improve its roster for the playoffs.