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MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help the Nationals

By Joshua Sadlock

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 09: Washington Nationals Outfield Victor Robles (16) celebrates is home run with Washington Nationals Outfield Juan Soto (22) during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies on April 9, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 09: Washington Nationals Outfield Victor Robles (16) celebrates is home run with Washington Nationals Outfield Juan Soto (22) during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies on April 9, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 21:Washington Nationals pitcher Luis Garcia, 18- the only teenager invited to the Washington Nationals’ Major League Camp- warms up before workouts at the Nationals Spring Training complex at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on Thursday, February 21, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 21:Washington Nationals pitcher Luis Garcia, 18- the only teenager invited to the Washington Nationals’ Major League Camp- warms up before workouts at the Nationals Spring Training complex at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on Thursday, February 21, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

3. Luis Garcia

The Nationals have not been shy about promoting their youngest prospects, regardless of age. While some teams prefer to hold elite prospects back in the name of “development” (definitely not service-time manipulation, no sir), the Nats will call up any player who has shown he is ready. Eighteen-year-old shortstop Luis Garcia isn’t there just yet, but he very well could be before the end of the year.

Garcia is an electric athlete with phenomenal speed and a slick glove at shortstop. He is still very young and is just getting his first taste of Double-A ball, but could develop in a hurry. Through two full professional seasons, he has hit .292/.327/.384 and has stolen 25 bases. Power will eventually come for Garcia, who uses the whole field and strikes out at a low rate. He has plenty of room to pack muscle onto his six-foot frame.

There is not an immediate need for the Nationals at shortstop or second base with another elite prospect, Carter Kieboom, making his MLB debut. Garcia, however, will be the next man up if the Nats suffer any injuries in the infield. They have also consistently rewarded their best Minor Leaguers with September call-ups, preferring to allow them to experience a pennant race at a young age. Whether he hits or not, Garcia’s speed could become an asset off the bench if the Nats are able to climb back into the playoff picture. Despite his age, it would not be a surprise at all to see Garcia called up before the end of the season.

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