Organization Ranking: 9

I've ranked every farm system, as well as the top 100 MLB prospects for 2015. Below, I've ranked at least the top Nats 10 prospects, plus an overview of the system and any other names of note beyond the top 10. I also discuss any prospects who might help the big league club in 2015, one or two prospects whose stock has taken a big hit in the past year, and a sleeper prospect who I think can jump into the main top-100 list for 2016.

Non-Insider subscribers: Check out the free Tampa Bay Rays top-10 prospects report to see what these entail.

Top 10 prospects

1. Lucas Giolito, RHP

2. Joe Ross, RHP

3. Michael Taylor, CF

4. Reynaldo Lopez, RHP

5. Trea Turner, SS

6. A.J. Cole, RHP

7. Wilmer Difo, 2B

8. Pedro Severino, C

9. Erick Fedde, RHP

10. Jakson Reetz, C

Overview

This is the strongest the Nationals' system has been in some time, at least since Bryce Harper graduated from their list, thanks to some opportunistic drafting, a very productive pipeline from Latin America and the trade of Steven Souza that netted the Nats two of their top prospects. They might not need a starter any time soon, but seven potential major league starters are on their way, including the five listed above, sinkerballer Austin Voth (11) and Canadian Nick Pivetta (12), who can reach 96 mph but needs more consistency with both the breaking ball and the change. Cole might end up in the bullpen out of need, although Jefry Rodriguez (13) is probably their best relief prospect. A converted shortstop who can hit 98 with a power curveball, Rodriguez suffered a hairline fracture in his non-throwing wrist and only threw 33 innings last year.

2015 impact

(Checks Nationals depth chart.)

(Double-checks depth chart.)

Moving along rapidly...

The fallen

Brian Goodwin has All-Star tools, yet he has struggled for two years to put everything together and perform at a level that would point toward a future as an everyday player. He's even stopped stealing bases, and what once looked like a potential power/speed centerfielder is now maybe an up-and-down outfielder.

Sleeper

Last year's sleeper, Severino, probably is still the best choice here (or possibly Difo, who was old for the Sally League last year but has a lot of above-average to plus tools. Severino is a wizard behind the plate, a plus framer with good blocking skills and a 70 or 80 arm who's growing into his body. He started to show some progress at the plate in the second half (.301/.376/.466) last summer. Down the road a bit further, remember the name Victor Robles, the Nats' star prospect from their Dominican Summer League team last year; he's a center fielder who has 6s and 7s all over his scouting report, with a plus arm, above-average to plus run, excellent bat speed, and the kind of fast-twitch body scouts love to see.