The latest Baseball America Top 100 Prospects list is out, and there’s good news for Nationals fans: three of Washington’s top young talents made the cut. Headlining the group is Eli Willits, who lands at No. 31, followed by Jarlin Susana at No. 68 and Harry Ford, who just cracks the list at No. 99.
Let’s break down what this means for the Nationals’ farm system - and what each player brings to the table.
Eli Willits (No. 31): The Future at Shortstop
There’s no surprise here - Willits is the Nats’ top prospect for a reason. The No. 1 overall pick has already made a strong impression in his debut, showcasing a polished approach at the plate and a maturity beyond his years. He just turned 18 in December, and while the power isn’t fully there yet, the rest of his game is so advanced that it’s easy to project growth.
Baseball America sees five average or better tools in Willits’ future, and that aligns with what scouts have been saying since draft day. He’s a natural at shortstop with smooth actions, quick feet, and a high baseball IQ.
Offensively, his contact ability and plate discipline are already standout traits. He’s not swinging for the fences - he’s controlling at-bats, working counts, and consistently finding barrels.
There’s still projection needed with the power, but that’s expected at his age. What matters is the foundation - and Willits has one of the strongest in the minors.
If you’re looking for a comp, think Geraldo Perdomo, who broke out in a big way for Arizona in 2025. Willits has that kind of upside, and potentially more.
Jarlin Susana (No. 68): Electric Stuff, Big Ceiling
Susana is one of the most intriguing arms in the minors - and even with a lat injury that could delay his 2026 debut, he still earned a spot in the top 75. That tells you just how special his stuff is.
The fastball? 104 mph.
That’s not a typo. In today’s game, velocity is everywhere, but triple digits with movement is still rare air.
And Susana’s not just a one-pitch guy. His slider is a legitimate weapon - a pitch he can manipulate into different shapes depending on the situation.
Sometimes it breaks like a power curve, other times it tightens into a cutter. That kind of feel for spin is advanced.
In 2025, he also added a more consistent changeup, which he was throwing in the mid-90s. That gives him a full arsenal, and when he’s commanding it, he looks like a frontline starter in the making.
Yes, the injury knocked him off track a bit, and it likely cost him a few spots in the rankings. But before going down, Susana was starting to put it all together - throwing more strikes, refining his sequencing, and looking like a guy ready to make his mark. If he comes back healthy, don’t be surprised if he rockets up the rankings later this year.
Harry Ford (No. 99): Offensive Catcher with Upside
The Nationals acquired Harry Ford in the deal for Jose A. Ferrer, and now he becomes the third Washington prospect to make Baseball America’s top 100. Ford has been on the national radar for a while, and 2026 could finally be the year he gets his MLB shot.
Offensively, Ford brings a lot to like. His contact and power tools are solid - not elite, but when paired with his advanced approach at the plate, they play up.
He’s always been a high on-base guy, and in 2025, his power started to tick up. That’s a promising sign for a player who’s always had the bat-to-ball skills.
He’s also a rare athlete for a catcher. Ford can run, steal bags, and move well behind the plate. The defense still needs work - and that’s probably why he didn’t rank higher - but even with some questions there, he’s a clear upgrade over what the Nats have had at the position in recent years.
Ford may not have the ceiling of a top-50 guy, but he brings a well-rounded offensive profile and enough athleticism to stick behind the plate. That’s a valuable piece, and his inclusion in the top 100 feels well-earned.
Travis Sykora: On the Outside Looking In
One name you won’t find on the list - but probably should - is Travis Sykora. The 21-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery, which understandably dropped him off many rankings. But before the injury, he was dominating minor league hitters and flashing top-of-the-rotation potential.
Sykora’s fastball-slider combo was already among the best in the system, and his command had taken a step forward. In a world where we’ve seen plenty of pitchers come back stronger from TJ, it’s not far-fetched to believe he could re-establish himself quickly once healthy.
Leaving him off the list is defensible given the injury, but don’t be surprised if he forces his way back into the conversation soon.
Where the Nats’ System Stands
The Nationals’ farm system isn’t elite - not yet. But it’s clearly trending in the right direction.
Having three players on the top 100 is a solid start, and there are others (like Sykora) who could join them soon. Eli Willits and Jarlin Susana have the tools to become top-tier prospects with strong 2026 campaigns, and Harry Ford could carve out a role at the big-league level.
The bigger picture? This is a system with talent and upside, but also plenty of room for growth. If the Nationals can continue to develop these players under Paul Toboni’s player development plan, we could be talking about five or more names on this list a year from now.
For now, it’s a step in the right direction - and a sign that the rebuild is starting to take shape.