The Washington Nationals entered the 2025 season with a glaring deficiency: a bullpen and starting rotation that lacked elite talent. Management has turned its attention to a pipeline of arms that could finally provide the depth needed to compete in the NL East.
The Pitching Gap
While ace Cade Cavalli offers a spark, the rest of the staff is thin. The organization recognizes that internal development must complement any external acquisitions if the club hopes to close the gap against rivals.
Prospect Spotlight: Jarlin Susana
Acquired in the 2022 Juan Soto trade, Jarlin Susana has risen to consensus top‑100 prospect status. His fastball averages around 100 MPH and his slider is described as nasty, generating swings and misses at a high rate. After missing most of the previous season following lat surgery, he returned with a sharper staff and a high floor as an electric reliever.
Prospect Spotlight: Miguel Sime Jr.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, Miguel Sime Jr. has struck out 130 batters in 72.1 innings, relying on a 99 MPH fastball and a devastating slider. His 20.3 % walk rate is a concern, but if it can be trimmed to roughly 12 % for starter work or 15 % for relief, his upside could translate into a frontline arm.
Prospect Spotlight: Landon Harmon
Landon Harmon brings a mid‑90s heater paired with a variety of breaking balls and strong command. In 38 innings he posted a 1.42 ERA and held opponents to a .154 batting average. While his spin feel is impressive, he will need to generate more whiffs to solidify a starter role.
Prospect Spotlight: Travis Sykora and Ben Grable
High‑school prospect Travis Sykora combined elite stuff with deception, walking fewer batters than his peers before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2025. Recovery footage suggests he could debut in 2028. Meanwhile, 11th‑round pick Ben Grable posted a 2.15 ERA in the minors, featuring a dominant 96 MPH fastball that generates 18‑20 inches of vertical break, positioning him as a promising reliever.
The Road Forward
The five prospects collectively could reshape the Nationals’ pitching depth over the next few seasons, but the club will still need high‑profile acquisitions to complement their emerging talent. If development proceeds as projected, Washington may finally possess the rotation depth that has eluded it for years.