Nats prospects to watch out for at each Minor League level
WASHINGTON -- From Major League camp to the Spring Breakout to the On Deck: Nationals Futures Game, Nats prospects took the field for big games leading up to this season.
No. 16 prospect Trey Lipscomb was called up from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, the first of many rookies expected to break the bigs this year. Follow along with the affiliate levels to see these emerging talents develop and take the next steps to the Majors.
Triple-A Rochester Red Wings
Pitcher to watch: LHP DJ Herz (No. 12)
Herz, acquired from the Cubs in the Jeimer Candelario trade, is entering his first full season in the Nats organization. The 23-year-old recorded a 2.25 ERA in three Grapefruit League outings.
Double-A Harrisburg Senators
Opening Day: Friday, 7 p.m. ET vs. Erie
Pitcher to watch: RHP Cole Henry (No. 25)
Henry, 24, is entering his first full season following thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. He impressed in big league camp, and the organization will be mindful of his health as he accumulates innings.
High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks
Opening Day: Friday, 6:35 p.m. ET vs. Brooklyn
Player to watch: OF Daylen Lile (No. 7)
After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Lile, 21, had a bounceback 2023 season. He hit .269 with nine home runs, 27 doubles and 23 stolen bases between Single-A and High-A.
Pitcher to watch: RHP Andry Lara
The 21-year-old Lara, a former MLB Pipeline top 30-ranked prospect, went 6-8 with a 4.58 ERA in 23 High-A starts last season.
Single-A Fredericksburg
Opening Day: Friday, 7:05 p.m. ET vs. Delmarva
Player to watch: OF Cristhian Vaquero (No. 9)
Vaquero, 19, hit .252 with 22 stolen bases in 58 games between the Rookie-level Florida Complex League and Single-A last season. He participated in drills with the Major League camp during Spring Training.
Pitcher to watch: RHP Jarlin Susana (No. 10)
Susana, 20, reached 103 mph in the Nats’ Spring Breakout game. He returns to the FredNats, where he was 1-6 with a 5.14 ERA in 17 starts last season.
Other top prospects: OF Elijah Green (No. 6)