Esmailyn Gonzalez Is Not Who The Nationals Thought He Was

In fact, that’s not even his name. His real name is Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo, a 23-year old hot hitting prospect that the Washington Nationals signed on the belief that he was a hot-hitting 16-year-old prospect with a different alias.

It’s sure to become the stuff of national headlines, and may launch a thousand ships in the murky waters of international recruiting practices in baseball. But the bottom line is that the Nats now know the truth, and likely know the people responsible for originally hiding it from them.

And knowing is half the battle. The other half is deciding to keep Alvarez or not.

Provided he is able to return to the United States — and Kasten indicated that the shortstop already has a new passport — the Nationals will receive a prospect with the experience of two professional seasons and one alias. He is due to be in Viera, Fla., by March 13, the reporting date for position players at Washington’s minor league spring training. The Nationals might still try to recoup some of the initial signing bonus, but doing so will be an improbable mission. He could face suspension. At minimum, he’ll return to the United States a dimmer prospect than when he left.

Chico Harlan, who along with Wizards beat writer Ivan Carter and Capitals beat writer Tarik El-Bashir combine to create the Tri-Force of Washington sports coverage, has it a little wrong on this one. They likely want this guy to come along as they planned. His background may be shady, but his playing career still stands to be a bright one.

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