4. Erick Fedde, RHP
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 2/25/1993 (25)
2017 teams/levels played for: AA Harrisburg Senators, AAA Syracuse Chiefs, MLB Washington Nationals
2017 Stats: Minors: 29 G, 13 GS, 90 1/3 IP, 3.69 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 6.2% BB, 21.4% K; Majors: 3 GS, 15 1/3 IP, 9.39 ERA, 2.15 WHIP, 10.5% BB, 19.7% K
Info: Coming out of UNLV, Fedde had elbow issues, allowing him to fall to the Nationals at the back of the first round in 2014. He had surgery in his draft season, but the Nationals showed no worries.
Fedde has the frame and pitch mix to be a very good mid-rotation starter
Fedde’s arm has bounced back well, flashing 97 out of the bullpen, but sitting more in the low-90s in the rotation with heavy sink from his high arm slot and 6’4″ frame. He adds in a change that has shown plus for extended stretches in 2017 and a plus slider that is an excellent pitch at generating both swing and miss and ground balls. He will also use a fringe-average curve that works to get weak pop ups or ground outs, but can also be hit hard when it hangs.
Fedde has the frame and pitch mix to be a very good mid-rotation starter. However, his reliance in the low part of the zone requires precise command. He struggled with his command (though he showed his typical plus control). Fedde will pound the zone, so when he misses his spot within the zone, he can end up getting hit hard.
Fedde likely is going to AAA to continue starting, unless a spring injury opens a spot in the Washington rotation.
3. Carter Kieboom, SS
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 9/3/1997 (20)
2017 teams/levels played for: Gulf Coast League Nationals, short-season A-ball Auburn Doubledays, low-A Hagerstown Suns
2017 Stats: .297/.396/.493, 255 PA, 9 HR, 3 SB, 32/42 BB/K
Info: Kieboom has siblings already in the minor leagues, though he was certainly considered the best talent in the family when he was one of the best prep talents in Georgia in 2016. The Washington Nationals snagged Kieboom in the first round of that season’s draft.
Kieboom started the year on an absolute tear before he hurt his hamstring and ended up missing a bunch of time. When he did come back, he was obviously not 100%, but he still showed an advanced approach at the plate with plus pitch and zone recognition.
Along with that advanced approach, Kieboom has above average power with plus bat speed and above average contact ability. He could certainly turn into a guy who has an offensive profile somewhere between Michael Young and Chase Utley.
Defensively, Kieboom has advanced feel for the game that allows him to naturally position himself well to make up for average speed. He also has an average arm, but he seems to get himself in great throwing position to get good zip on the ball with each throw. That could be something that leads to a move to 2B eventually, but if he does slide there, he should be a very good defender at the position.
Either spot up the middle he plays defensively, his bat should be an asset. Kieboom should open 2018 in high-A, though the Nationals might open him at low-A because he got just 255 PA at that level.
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