While all eyes are on the question marks along the starting lineup and rotation, the Washington Nationals saw several prospects honored and highlighted ahead of spring training.
The Washington Nationals have been busy this offseason. From hiring new coaches, a new president, and a new manager. The attention then shifts to the players.
One of those top prospects is shortstop/3B Gavin Fien. With the 12th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, Fien’s is just what the Nationals need. The trade comes after Paul Toboni, President of Baseball Operations from the team, sent left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers. Four other players made up the five player trade deal that sent Gore to the Rangers but Fien ranks top of them all.
Right-handed pitcher Alejandro Rosario was among one of those a part of the trade deal. The 24-year-old quickly became one of the top prospects in the minor leagues where he is known for his fastballs with speeds topping at 100mph. During the 2023 MLB Draft, it wasn’t until the 5th round before Rosario was selected.
Outfielder Yeremy Cabrera was also included on that list of players being traded from Texas to Washington. The 20-year-old checks in at 5 '11'’ and 155 pounds, however it’s been noted that Cabrera is easily 15 pounds over his listed weight giving himself the advantage of having that extra strength behind the bat.
Last year in the minor league Cabrera stole 43 bases. Currently in the Nationals prospect rankings, Cabrera ranks 17th for best Nats prospect. The Nationals currently have a decent roster of solid infielders in the minors and not so many solid outfielders making Cabrera a top prospect for center field.
Shortstop Devin Fitz-Gerald also made the journey from the Rangers to the Nationals. Going in the 5th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, the switchhitter brings surprising power for his 5-foot-10, 185 pound build. On his way to a Top 100 Prospect list, his talent was cut short during his first season after a shoulder injury. With only 10 games recorded playing Low-A it still shouldn't be a surprise to see Fitz-Gerald taking up a starting spot for the Fredericksburg Nationals.
First baseman Abimelec Ortiz makes up the 5th player to complete the Gore trade deal. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Puerto Rico native make an appearance in the big leagues this upcoming season. However, at 5-foot-10, Ortiz isn’t your typical first baseman which raises questions as to where Ortiz's new position on the field be. In his 2025 AAA season, Ortiz had a batting average of 0.283, 9 home runs, and a 0.949 OPS.
Right-handed pitcher Luis Perales was acquired from the Boston Red Sox back in Dec., 2025, trading left-handed pitcher Jake Bennett. Perales is known for his fatballs. Although he had a setback in 2024 after an injury required him to undergo Tommy John surgery, Perales has fought his way back into the league after returning to the minors first at the of the 2025 season.
Catcher Harry Ford was traded from the Seattle Mariners to Washington for pitcher José A. Ferrer. At 5’10’, 22-year-old Ford was a first-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. It wasn’t until 2025 that Ford made his MLB debut. Ford will be competing for the starting spot against Keibert Ruiz and Riley Adams. However, the move from Seattle to Washington significantly increases Ford's chances of seeing his name in the starting lineup. It will be interesting to see whether the move pays off for the Nationals and Ford.
With just over a month away before Opening Day, Nationals fans look forward to seeing what these top prospects have to offer in the major leagues.