All eyes turn to hurlers Sykora, Susana in Nats camp
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Last year in Spring Training, Nationals manager Dave Martinez named the section of young hitting prospects in big league camp led by James Wood and Dylan Crews "Hope Row." While Robert Hassell III and Brady House are still prospects, Wood has graduated and Crews will
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Last year in Spring Training, Nationals manager Dave Martinez named the section of young hitting prospects in big league camp led by James Wood and Dylan Crews "Hope Row." While Robert Hassell III and Brady House are still prospects, Wood has graduated and Crews will come off prospect lists in the early stages of the 2025 season, so it might be time for the Nationals to hold a naming contest for the next wave of baby Nats.
Only this time, it might be arms.
Once Crews does graduate, the top two prospects on the Nationals' Top 30 will not just be pitchers. They'll be two huge (6-foot-6 huge) right-handers who hit triple digits with their fastballs in Travis Sykora and Jarlin Susana. The duo finished second and third in the Minors among those with at least 80 innings pitched in K/9 rate. Sykora, the Nats' third-round pick in 2023 who got $2.6 million to sign, finished second among all those pitchers' xFIP as well in his first full season of A ball. Susana, acquired from the Padres in the 2022 Juan Soto blockbuster, topped 100 innings for the first time and got sharper as his year went on. The organization clearly has something cooking on the pitching development side of the ledger right now.
"The big thing is in between starts, the preparation, their bullpen days after their start, focusing on what went right, what went wrong, kind of a tuneup for that next start," Nationals farm director Eddie Longosz said.
Sykora's preparation is already reaching legendary status as he's long been fastidious about journaling and learning about his craft. The Nats' player development staff is trying to make sure all of the organization's arms are on the same level, even if each hurler does things a little differently.
"It's teaching them the same type of purpose," Longosz said. "That was the big thing with Susana especially, those in-between starts looking at counts where he threw pitches or when he got behind, what was his strategy going into that. And the pitching coaches did a really excellent job harnessing that on those off days. It's all about preparation for all these guys."
That also includes relative newcomer Alex Clemmey, now No. 6 on the club's Top 30. The Nationals got the left-hander from the Guardians in the Lane Thomas deal at last year's Trade Deadline, and like the other two, he misses a ton of bats. There's lots of room for improvement in terms of his ability to throw strikes, getting ahead early and not running deep counts, but there were some early signs of encouragement at the start of his first Spring Training with his new club.
He certainly fit right in immediately when he got to Single-A Fredericksburg. As another high school arm from the 2023 Draft, he and Sykora fell in sync with each other almost immediately.
"A lot of them know each other from the high school circuits and growing up and doing all the travel ball," Longosz said. "But the second Clemmey got in there, they were like two peas in a pod, inseparable. I think they feed off each other. They can rag and tease each other, but they are also learning from each other. That's huge, them being the same age, coming up together, going through everything together."
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Camp standout: Brad Lord
Not everyone in this next wave of pitching -- "Hurler Hall?" -- was an early-round pick or a big trade acquisition. Lord joined the Nationals in 2022 as a senior taken in the 18th round of the Draft. He likely didn't set off any prospect alarms with his first full season across two levels of A-ball in 2023 other than his ability to fill up the strike zone.
Then came his breakout in 2024, splitting nearly all of the season between the top two levels of the Minors, making 25 starts and amassing nearly 130 very effective innings. Now he's the No. 23 prospect in the system and has been making a good impression in big league camp, allowing just one earned run (two total) in 7 1/3 relief innings. It's a small sample in shorter stints, but his velocity has taken a nice step forward, from averaging around 92-93 mph in 2024 to sitting 95-96 in Grapefruit League action.
"He's a strike machine, gets ahead with a four-seamer and two-seamer," Longosz said. "The secondaries are good but he just fools with the fastball. He can sink it, he can run it. He was a great starter last year. He came out of nowhere."
Breakout candidate: Yoel Tejeda
Speaking of late-round college arms who could join that crop of pitching moving up -- "Velocity Rising?" -- keep an eye on Tejeda, their pick in Round 14 of last year's Draft, who got a bit over slot ($225,000) as a Draft-eligible sophomore out of Florida State. He actually started at rival Florida as a freshman, then moved to the Seminoles for the 2024 season, and he didn't pitch frequently, or well, at either. But he's 6-foot-8 with some big stuff, an arm without a ton of mileage or reps (42 1/3 IP in college total). Perhaps he's a bit of a lottery ticket, but the Nationals like the numbers they've drawn.
"He's a big guy with a tough angle," Longosz said. "There's velocity, deception and movement. It's an ugly at-bat, a tough look for a hitter. We're curious how he progresses.
"We want him to start; the stuff is too good to not try it out first. You want to give him the best chance to start before changing it. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work."
Something to prove: Armando Cruz
When the 2020-21 international signing period finally opened in January 2021, the Nationals went all in to sign Cruz for $3.9 million, which at the time was tied for the largest bonus given on the international market by the organization. Outside of some signs of life offensively when he made his U.S. debut in 2022, he's yet to gain any traction with the bat. He spent parts of three seasons with Single-A Fredericksburg and brings a career .572 OPS into the 2025 season.
It should be noted that he will be just 21 for all of the upcoming season and he has a relatively high floor because he can really defend up the middle, so it's not like this is some kind of make or break year for the infielder. This spring there have been a few glimmers of hope.
"He looks stronger," said Longosz, who thought Cruz will likely begin the year with High-A Wilmington, where he finished the 2024 season, while playing both shortstop and second. "I think he's really locked in on his swing and controlling the zone, not chasing, working on the heart of the zone. I think this is a year it will click."
Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLBPipeline.com. Follow him on Facebook and @JonathanMayo, and listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Charlotte Knights 2025 Promotions Guide
⚾ 2025 First Half Promotions Guide & Tickets On Sale! From dazzling fireworks, to exciting new and returning promotions, we couldn't wait any longer to give you a preview of what's in store for the 2025 Charlotte Knights season! Get your tickets for the first half of the season HERE!
Truist Field's First Ever Drone Show Set for Saturday, March 29
CHARLOTTE, NC- The Charlotte Knights are prepared to light up the sky early in the 2025 season. On Saturday, March 29, directly following the Knights 6:05pm contest against the Gwinnett Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the first ever Drone Show above Truist Field will take over the night
Major College Baseball Action Returns to Truist Field This Spring
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights, will once again feature exciting college baseball action this year. In all, the Knights will host a total of two college baseball games in 2025. ANNUAL UNC VS. USC GAME IS BACK THIS YEAR The 2025 Charlotte Knights Collegiate
Charlotte Knights 2025 Second Half Promotions Guide
The second half of the season is starting off with one of our FAVORITE days of the entire year, and from there it's non-stop summer FUN! Tickets are on sale HERE, and trust us, you don't want to miss what we've got in store.
Knights Announce 2025 Coaching Staff Led by Manager Sergio Santos
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- In conjunction with the Chicago White Sox, the Charlotte Knights have announced the coaching staff under new manager, Sergio Santos. The Knights are set to open the 2025 season at Truist Field on Friday, March 28 at 7:04 p.m. against the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A affiliate of
Santos Named Knights Manager for 2025 Season
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- Sergio Santos, who guided the Double-A Birmingham Barons to a Southern League Championship last season, has been named manager of the Charlotte Knights for the upcoming 2025 season. Santos, 41, becomes the 26th manager in franchise history and the fourth former Knights player to manage the
Single-Game Tickets for First Half of 2025 Season Now On Sale, 10 Exciting Promo Nights Revealed
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS FOR FIRST HALF OF 2025 SEASON NOW ON SALE Single-game tickets for the first half of the 2025 season at Truist Field are now on sale. Fans can purchase tickets by phone at 704-274-8300 or online at www.CharlotteKnights.com. A full 2025 schedule can also be found online at
Charlotte Knights Revamp Digital Display Experience with Daktronics
BROOKINGS, S.D. – November 6, 2024 – Daktronics (NASDAQ-DAKT) of Brookings, South Dakota, has partnered with the Charlotte Knights baseball team to manufacture and install 10 new LED displays at Truist Field in North Carolina. These displays will be powered by Daktronics Show Control with Camino. The installation is slated
Knights Reveal Home Game Times & 19 Fireworks Dates for 2025 Season
2025 SEASON BEGINS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 28 The Charlotte Knights will open the 2025 season at Truist Field on Friday, March 28 against the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves). The team’s 11th season at Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte will be celebrated with the first of 19
Hurricane Helene Supply Drive Set for Thursday, October 3 at Truist Field
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- On Thursday, October 3 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Truist Field, the Charlotte Knights will partner with iHeartMedia Charlotte to collect critically-needed items for those impacted in Western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene. All items collected at Thursday’s supply drive will support both Operation
CLT for WNC: Hurricane Helene Supply Drive at Truist Field this Thursday
Stop by Truist Field this Thursday as the Charlotte Knights and iHeartMedia Charlotte partner to host a Hurricane Helene Supply Drive from 7am-7pm to benefit Operation Airdrop and Next Level Disaster Relief.
Knights Fall in Season Finale to Mets 5-4 in 10 Innings
(SYRACUSE, NY) -- The Charlotte Knights wrapped up the 2024 regular season with a 5-4 loss in 10 innings to the Syracuse Mets on Sunday afternoon from NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY. The Knights battled back in the ninth, scoring two runs to tie the game at 4-4, but
Knights Drop Saturday’s Game to Mets, 10-3
(SYRACUSE, NY) -- The Charlotte Knights dropped game five of the six-game series against the Syracuse Mets by a score of 10-3 on Saturday night from NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY. RHP Touki Toussaint (3-3, 6.02) started the game for the Knights and was charged with the loss after
Knights Fall to Mets on Friday, 12-5
(SYRACUSE, NY) -- The Charlotte Knights dropped game four of the six-game series against the Syracuse Mets by a score of 12-5 on Friday night from NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY. The Knights scored three of the five runs in the top of the ninth inning. The two teams
Knights Sail Past the Mets on Thursday, 7-3
(SYRACUSE, NY) -- The Charlotte Knights scored early and late in Thursday’s 7-3 win over the Syracuse Mets in game three of the six-game series from NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY. With the win, the Knights now lead the series, two games to one. Making his team-high 22nd start
Quero Activated on Thursday
(SYRACUSE, NY) -- The Charlotte Knights announced two roster moves on Thursday, September 19. Catcher Edgar Quero was reinstated off Charlotte’s 7-day injured list today and is active for tonight’s game. The Charlotte Knights will play game three of the six-game series against the Syracuse Mets from Syracuse, NY with
Knights Win 9-8 on Wednesday in 10 Innings
(SYRACUSE, NY) – A two-run top of the ninth inning and a two-run top of the 10th inning propelled the Charlotte Knights to a thrilling 9-8 win over the Syracuse Mets on Wednesday night in game two of the six-game series from NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY. With the
Knights Fall to Mets on Tuesday, 15-7
(SYRACUSE, NY) -- The Charlotte Knights dropped the opening game of a six-game road series against the Syracuse Mets by a score of 15-7 on Tuesday night from NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY. Tuesday’s game was the start of Charlotte’s final series of the 2024 season. First baseman Tim
Knights Split Doubleheader with 'Shrimp on Saturday
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) – The Charlotte Knights split Saturday’s day/night doubleheader against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp from Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte, NC. The Knights earned a commanding 10-0 win in game one on Saturday, then dropped game two by a score of 2-0. In the first game, the Knights
Party Like It’s 1999 at Truist Field!
Professional baseball in Charlotte, NC dates back to 1892. Since that time, the Queen City has featured numerous Major League Baseball affiliates and four different Minor League Baseball team names. Teams such as the Charlotte Hornets, the Charlotte Twins, the Charlotte O’s, and the Charlotte Knights, have all helped make
Knights Fall to Jumbo Shrimp on Friday, 8-5
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- Outfielder Mark Payton launched a three-run home run, but the Charlotte Knights dropped Friday’s game to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp by a score of 8-5 from Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte, NC. With the loss, the Jumbo Shrimp now lead the series, 3-2. Jacksonville used a
Knights Sink the ‘Shrimp 9-4 on Thursday Night
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) – A pair of home runs and solid pitching led the Charlotte Knights to a 9-4 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Thursday night in game four of the seven-game series from Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte. With the win, the Knights tied up the series
Knights Fall to 'Shrimp in Both Games on Wednesday
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- The Charlotte Knights dropped both games of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp from Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte, NC. The Jumbo Shrimp won game one by a score of 3-1, and then took game two by a score of 4-3. The Knights battled in
Knights Defeat the Jumbo Shrimp 6-2 on Tuesday
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- The Charlotte Knights opened their final homestand of the 2024 season, defeating the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 6-2 on Tuesday behind a pair of homers at Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte, NC. RHP Jordan Leasure (3-0, 3.68 ERA) took home the win after throwing one scoreless inning,
Burke Promoted to White Sox Tuesday
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) – The Charlotte Knights announced four roster moves today ahead of the team’s 6:35 p.m. opener against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins) from Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte, NC. RHP Sean Burke had his contract selected by the Chicago White Sox today.