Washington Nationals Standout Prospects Position-by-Position

The Washington Nationals have a wealth of talent in their minor league system. They already brought up one of their top prospects, Anthony Rendon, and he has proven to be a valuable commodity.

So who is the next prospect in line to break out in the majors? The next generation of the Nationals are maturing in the minor leagues and it is only a matter of time before they find their way up, position-by-position.

Setting aside Rendon, since he is now playing for the Nats, lets take a look at the Nationals' top prospects by each position. 

Note: All statistics updated through August 8 courtesy of MiLB.com unless noted otherwise and each ranking in parenthesis is MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo's current prospect ranking within the Nationals system.

OF: Eury Perez, (#6)

Current Level: Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs

DOB: 5/30/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Eury Perez is on the cusp of breaking out, and has been a model of consistency during his minor league career. With a .305 lifetime average in the minors, Perez has demonstrated he has the skills to be in the big leagues. 

This season, Perez has specifically crushed lefties with a .371 average and .957 OPS. 

Perez might be in the Nats' plans within the next couple of years, with Denard Span signed through 2014 with a team option for 2015. Perez will have to compete with the other standout prospects coming up on this list, but if he can, he will be in D.C. sooner than later.

OF: Michael Taylor, (#4)

Current Level: Class A Advanced Potomac Nationals 

DOB: 3/26/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Michael Taylor is having a great season for the Potomac Nationals, with an eye-popping 31 doubles, 35 stolen bases, nine home runs, six triples and 75 RBI. His biggest flaw? His strikeout total, which has climbed up to 105 through 108 games.

He certainly has the potential to be in the Major Leagues within the next couple of seasons if he can cut down on the strikeouts. He began his career as a shortstop and has primarily been playing center field and should be able to make the transition if needed to a corner outfield spot.

OF: Brian Goodwin, (#1)

Current Level: Double-A Harrisburg Senators

DOB: 11/2/1990

Bats/Throws: L/R

Brian Goodwin has been one of the more highly watched Nats' prospects, but has not been having the best season in 2013 and currently finds himself on the DL.

Despite hitting nine home runs and nine triples, he only has 13 doubles and 31 RBI. His .254 average leaves a lot to be desired as well.

His weakness is against left-handed pitchers, where he is only hitting .215. Despite this, he is certainly one of the outfielders of the future for the Nationals and is an exciting player, even if he is not having the best season.

1B: Chris Marrero, (NR)

Current Level: Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs

DOB: 7/2/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Chris Marrero is having another fine season in the minors. This season he finds himself in Triple-A Syracuse and has hit .289 and driven in 50 runs. 

Marrero was called up to the Nationals for eight games this season. On June 23, he drove in his first and only run of the season at the big league level.

Marrero has been in the Nats' minor league system since 2006 and his time might be running out. He possess the potential to be a replacement to Adam LaRoche at first base, if the time comes. 

2B: Jeff Kobernus, (#10)

Current Level: Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs

DOB: 6/30/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Jeff Kobernus has tasted the big leagues this season, playing for the majority of June with the Nats. He did not fare well, hitting .174 in 15 games with a home run, but he has the potential to be a big star for the Nats.

He is having a great season in Triple-A, hitting .314 with a .363 OBP and 31 steals in just 70 games. His steals have been impressive throughout his five seasons in the minors, as he has accumulated 151 steals in 360 games.

That speed is what makes him a standout for the Nats at second base.

SS: Zach Walters, (#13)

Current Level: Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs

DOB: 9/5/1989

Bats/Throws: S/R

Zach Walters' average might not be there for the Nationals, but he has shown unbelievable power at the shortstop position. He has smashed 30 doubles and 25 home runs along with 63 RBI in 108 games.

If Walters continues to hit with this power, he might force the Nats' hand as to whether to bring him up or trade him. He needs to work on cutting back on his strikeouts, as he has racked up 102 already in 2013.

3B: Matt Skole, (#11)

Current Level: Double-A Harrisburg Senators

DOB: 7/30/1989

Bats/Throws: L/R

Matt Skole underwent Tommy John surgery and wrist surgery after only his second game of the season in Double-A this year.

Despite this, he is still a threat to take over a spot in the infield at some point. Skole is capable of playing first and third base, so he has versatility. 

C: Pedro Severino, (#15)

Current Level: Class A Hagerstown

DOB: 7/20/1993

Bats/Throws: R/R

Pedro Severino is a fantastic catcher who will find success in the majors utilizing his skills. His offense has been a bit of a surprise, as he has hit .248 with 17 doubles and 40 RBI in 68 games this season.

He is young and might be able to improve his offense in the minor leagues, but his defense will never be in question.

P: Lucas Giolito, (#2)

Current Level: Gulf Coast League

DOB: 7/14/1994

Bats/Throws: R/R

Lucas Giolito is the pitcher in the Nationals' organization that possesses the most talent. Giolito, who had Tommy John surgery last year, has begun pitching in the Gulf Coast League once again.

Giolito has pitched 12.2 innings so far and has struck out 15 while walking eight. It is important to keep in mind that he is only 19 years old and is just beginning to pitch again after his Tommy John surgery.

The future is bright for this young prospect.

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