Under the Radar Prospects: Nationals

The Washington Nationals are the subjects of this week’s installment of Under the Radar Prospects in which five unheralded players within a team system are identified as players to watch out for. Among the five players this week is a talented five tool outfielder, a hurler who throws 103 mph, and a trio of other talented pitchers.

Daylen Lile, OF - Washington Nationals

The Nationals selected Daylen Lile in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft and gave him a hefty signing bonus to entice him away from college. Unfortunately, Lile had a poor debut in 2021 and then underwent Tommy John surgery, which cost him the entire 2022 season. Since then however, Lile has put up excellent numbers. During his first full season in 2023, Lile hit .291/.381/.510 with 7 HR and 21 stolen bases over 66 games in Single-A. His production lapsed upon a promotion to High-A. This past Spring, Lile made headlines after suffering a fall into the Red Sox bullpen, but the injury didn’t cost him any time in the regular season and he regained his offensive footing, forcing a promotion to Double-A in June. Thus far in Double-A, Lile is hitting .248/.356/.319 with 0 HR and 4 stolen bases over 32 games.

Jarlin Susana, RHP - Washington Nationals

Owner of one of the best fastballs in baseball, 20-year old hurler Jarlin Susana is making a name for himself in the Nationals system. A 2022 international signing, Susana made his stateside debut later that season after being traded to the Nationals in the Juan Soto deal. In 2023, Susana returned to Single-A, but struggled over the course of the season. Still young for his level, the National stationed Susana back in Single-A for the 2024 campaign and he performed much better. In 14 starts, Susana had a 4.47 ERA | 2.45 FIP with a 34.2 K% & 12.3 BB% over 56 1/3 innings pitched. This has since resulted in a promotion to High-A for Susana.

Susana’s electric fastball has occasionally hit 103 mph, but on average sits at nearly 99mph. This is accompanied by a strong slider and change-up (that hits 96 mph). The Nationals will keep Susana in a starting rotation as long as possible, but his floor is that of a high leverage reliever.

Rodney Theophile, RHP - Washington Nationals