It is far too early for the Washington Nationals to write off Victor Robles. Here’s why.
In today’s game, the young guns have taken over. All-Star rosters packed with college-aged youngsters seems to be the norm, but it can also be detrimental in terms of the bar it sets for prospects-turned- big leaguers. Here is why one particular case, Victor Robles of the Washington Nationals, may be different.
Making strides
Although his numbers have yet to soar to the range that Nats fans would have hoped for by now, Robles has managed to demonstrate maturation since joining the Majors briefly in 2017. The biggest improvement to be seen this season is Robles’ patience and knowledge of the strike zone. While far from perfect, Robles is surely trending up in both categories.
Better plate discipline will pay in dividends for Robles, whether he stays in the 9th slot or slides back up to leading off again. At the bottom of the order, Robles’ increased awareness of the strike zone will yield more hittable pitches from any pitcher who dreads Trea Turner in the on-deck circle.
Should Robles slide back up to the top of the order, he would be protected by Turner and teammate Juan Soto, whose meteoric rise has likely resulted in a less patient fanbase with Robles.
The prior Victor Robles
One comparison that seems fitting for Robles is Byron Buxton. The two were both lauded as 5-tool prospects expected to make a big splash in the MLB for years before even getting there. Buxton started slow on the offensive side and stayed on the field due to being one of the greatest defensive center-fielders in the league. Robles is quite similar, clearly demonstrating slick glove work and a cannon for a throwing arm has given him a reason to stay in the lineup despite offensive woes.
Buxton may have been a late bloomer, but it is quite apparent that he has begun to bloom. In his age-27 season, Buxton has made a name for himself as an early MVP candidate should he stay on par for the rest of the year. With this in mind, does it truly make sense to call Robles a bust at age 24?
The bottom line
We, as fans, need to acknowledge how spoiled we are with young talent. The stars of tomorrow arrived today, and baseball is surely better for it. However, with these spoils comes an important reminder: that youth excelling at the highest level is still the exception and not the rule.
These days, it can be easy to rush to call someone a bust simply because they haven’t had the dominant start that some experts predicted, but the time has come to remind ourselves that a fresh-faced 24-year-old still has much to give, much to learn, and much to prove.