Washington Nationals: Victor Robles isn’t the only elite CF prospect in the NL East
By Tim Boyle
When it comes to elite young minor league talent, Washington Nationals prospect Victor Robles isn’t alone in the National League East. Pretty soon, the division could include three amazing young center fielders.
Once the Washington Nationals do decide top prospect Victor Robles is ready for everyday action, fans will be treated to top-level talent. It’s something Nationals fans are familiar with. Years of Bryce Harper performing at a top level at a young age and the exciting style of play Trea Turner provides is something to enjoy.
Robles is unique, but he is far from alone. In his division, there are two other notable center field prospects prepared to fight with him for many years to come.
Ronald Acuna is the guy catching the majority of attention. According to most top prospects lists, he’s either number one or two. Robles isn’t far behind yet the consensus seems to put Acuna ahead of Robles. The future star of the Atlanta Braves had a terrific 2017 campaign. If his impressive Spring Training is any indication, we could see him in MLB sooner than later.
Of course, the Braves want to give him the “Kris Bryant treatment” and hold him back for at least a few weeks into 2018. This will delay his free agency years from now, allowing them to keep a star in their locker room for an extra season.
Along with Acuna, Nationals fans have to appreciate what Lewis Brinson is about to do with the Miami Marlins. Yes, those poor pitiful Marlins shouldn’t win many games this year. That doesn’t mean every game is a waste. Brinson will bring a ton of excitement to the field. Best of all, he should be with Miami for the season’s opener.
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Brinson, acquired in the Christian Yelich deal, has also been one of the best players this spring. Since his MLB clock has already started ticking, the Marlins have even less of a reason to hold him back. Brinson may not carry the same big briefcase that Robles or Acuna do. However, he’s a fantastic prospect who will finally get a chance to play regularly with Miami this season.
Elsewhere in the NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies will continue to employ Odubel Herrera up the middle of the outfield grass. He’s one of the few players they have under contract for multiple seasons. Barring a trade, he’s there to stay. His success at the major league level came as a much bigger surprise. Thus far, the Phillies can consider themselves lucky for finding their own solution.
The New York Mets, meanwhile, have the least exciting center field in the division. It’s still unclear who will man the position long-term. Juan Lagares’ bat has held him back, and uncertainty with Brandon Nimmo has kept him from breaking out. Ultimately, the Mets would probably like to see Michael Conforto there this season. First, he needs to get healthy and stay that way for long enough to make an impact.
For as bad as the NL East appears, there’s plenty of reason to love this division. Like center field, there are some promising shortstops there, too. Maybe the others will eventually catch up with the Washington Nationals. It won’t be easy as they also are regularly recharging with minor league talent.