In 2026, the Nationals might not be making waves in the win column at the MLB level, but there's plenty to be excited about in their minor league system. One name that's generating buzz is 19-year-old right-hander Landon Harmon, a prospect worth keeping an eye on.
Harmon was a standout in the 2025 draft, snagged in the third round with a hefty $2.5 million signing bonus, signaling the Nats' belief in his potential as an early second-round talent. The industry agrees, with MLB Pipeline ranking him as the 48th prospect in his class.
Though Harmon didn't take the mound professionally last year-a common path for high school pitchers-this season marks his official debut. The anticipation is palpable, with Fangraphs hinting at a potential top 100 prospect ranking next year and MLB Pipeline placing him in the top 10 of the Nationals' system.
So, what makes this Mississippi high school standout so intriguing? It starts with his fastball, a pitch that consistently earns high marks.
With grades of 65 from Pipeline and 70 from Baseball America, it's a pitch with serious upside. Harmon consistently throws in the mid-90s, but he can dial it up to 98 or 99 MPH.
Considering his lanky 6'5" frame, there's potential for even more velocity, possibly touching triple digits down the line.
But it's not just about speed. Harmon's fastball has explosive life and a flat approach angle, making it appear even faster. Add a bit of cutting action at the end, and you have a pitch that can overpower even top high school hitters like Ethan Holliday.
Beyond the fastball, Harmon is developing a repertoire of breaking balls, including a sweeper and a harder slider. While they're not elite yet, they show above-average potential. His ability to spin different breaking ball shapes is a promising sign of his feel for pitching.
The changeup is still a work in progress. Harmon didn’t rely on it much in high school, preferring to dominate with his fastball and sliders. But at 19, there's plenty of time to refine this off-speed pitch.
Harmon's size and fastball quality are assets that can't be taught, making him a strong candidate for a top 100 prospect ranking soon. His trajectory might remind some of Travis Sykora, who became a top prospect before an unfortunate injury setback.
Footage from Spring Training shows Harmon throwing bullpen sessions, suggesting the Nationals are confident in his readiness. His assignment will be telling: a start in Low-A would indicate high expectations, while time in the FCL might suggest a need for further development.
Expect Harmon to spend most of his season in Low-A, with a potential stint in High-A if he excels. With the Nationals' new development team, Harmon is a promising talent ready to be molded into a high-end prospect. Keep your eyes on him as he takes the next steps in his promising career.