Three Washington Nationals Prospects Play in AFL Fall Stars Game

With all the attention on the offseason and what moves the front office may make in free agency to address the pitching staff and rest of the roster holes, the Washington Nationals also saw a flurry of prospects suit up in the Arizona Fall League 20th annual Fall Stars Game on Sunday. The trio of Nationals prospects also ended the outing in the win column as the National League took a 7-4 win over the American League.

Teo Banks drew the start in right field, yet went 0-for-1 in his brief appearance after popping out in the bottom of the second inning. Despite the quiet day, it capped off a breakout offseason showing from the former 18th round pick in the 2024 Draft. Banks was previously named a standout during week two of the AFL. Banks ranked ninth across the AFL with a .338 batting average, while also notching four home runs and 16 RBIs across 23 games.

Catcher Kevin Bazzell was one of three catchers to suit up, ending his day with a 1-for-1 showing while accounting for one of the NL Fall Stars' seven runs in the win. Bazzell opened the eighth inning with a double into center field, eventually crossing the plate two at bats later to give the National League the lead for good. His second at bat ended in a walk after six pitches, setting up the game's final run to cement the 7-4 win. Bazzell ended the offseason league with an 1.105 OPS, ranked fourth among all prospects in the AFL, while notching a .349 batting average and .500 OBP. He also recorded a pair of home runs and eight RBIs across 16 appearances and 43 at bats.

Jarlin Susana also drew the star in the All Star win after tossing two strikeouts, one walk and allowing one hit across his lone inning. Susana kicked off the game with a four-pitch at bat that featured three pitches eclipsing 102 mph before an 88 mph sweeper notched his first strikeout. His second strikeout ended the inning with runners on the corners after the five pitch at bat featured three pitches north of 100 mph before his 86.8 mph sweeper caught the corner of the strike zone. While his velocity has always been the elite trait that stuck out, Susana also led the AFL with 26 strikeouts across six appearances and 18.2 innings pitched. Susana also held opposing batters to a .162 batting average, in addition to ranking 15th with a 1.29 WHIP.