Nationals Fans Eager for Prospects to Shine in 2026
The Washington Nationals appear to be taking a measured approach this offseason, forgoing any major acquisitions as they prepare for the 2026 campaign. With Paul Toboni at the helm as the new president of baseball operations, the focus has shifted from immediate fixes to long-term sustainability. Toboni’s vision for the franchise emphasizes building a foundation that can support success over multiple seasons, which suggests a quieter winter in terms of roster changes.
Quiet Offseason Ahead
While speculation around potential trades lingers, particularly concerning MacKenzie Gore, the Nationals are expected to head into the next season with a core group of players largely unchanged from this year. Roster enhancements will come gradually, and much of the excitement will stem from prospects already within the organization. Five players, ranked among the Nationals’ top 30 prospects, are particularly poised to make their mark in 2026.
Christian Franklin and Jake Bennett
A duo to watch, Christian Franklin and Jake Bennett are both set for opportunities at the Major League level after being added to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. Bennett, a left-handed pitcher, is ready to make an immediate impact following a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League. Having made a successful return from Tommy John surgery, Bennett is expected to bolster a pitching staff in dire need of depth.
Franklin, meanwhile, faces a crowded outfield landscape but possesses the skills to carve out a role for himself. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs in a deal for Michael Soroka, Franklin impressed at Triple-A Rochester, boasting a .290/.382/.427 batting line with four home runs and 23 RBIs in just 31 games. At only 25 years old, his high-end bat-to-ball skills could make him a valuable asset, particularly as he looks to capitalize on any openings created by teammates’ struggles.
Jarlin Susana’s Promising Future
Among the prospects generating considerable buzz is Jarlin Susana, the third-ranked pitcher in the Nationals’ pipeline. Known for his electric arm and impressive strikeout rates, Susana’s journey has been closely monitored by fans eager for his debut. In 268 minor league innings, he has fanned an astonishing 380 batters, though his high walk rate remains a concern.
After undergoing lat surgery this offseason, Susana’s recovery will be pivotal. He made 11 starts for Double-A Harrisburg this past season, posting a respectable 3.61 ERA before being sidelined. The Nationals are likely to reassign him to Double-A to assess his readiness for a potential quick climb through the ranks.
Alex Clemmey’s Development Journey
Another intriguing prospect is Alex Clemmey, a second-round draft pick in 2023. Acquired in a trade that sent Lane Thomas to the Nationals, Clemmey has shown flashes of promise. He excelled at High-A, recording a 2.47 ERA across 19 starts and striking out 113 batters in just over 87 innings. However, his transition to Double-A was rocky, with a 6.44 ERA in six starts, raising questions about his immediate future.
While it may be ambitious to expect Clemmey to make a major league appearance next season, a successful adjustment to Double-A could position him as a late-season call-up.
Yohandy Morales Set for Opportunity
Yohandy Morales, currently ranked 20th among Nationals prospects, is another name to monitor. With limited competition at first base on the 40-man roster, it would be surprising not to see Morales earn a call-up in 2026. His performance in Double-A was impressive, highlighted by a .315/.366/.520 slash line in 33 games before moving to Triple-A, where he continued to demonstrate his power with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs.
However, Morales’s high strikeout rate—131 times during the season—raises red flags about his consistency at the plate. Nevertheless, given his potential, he is likely to receive a chance to solidify his role at first base as the Nationals look to the future.
As fans anticipate the 2026 season, the spotlight will be on these emerging talents from the Nationals’ farm system. Their development could shape the franchise’s trajectory and ignite a new era of competitiveness in Washington.
