Baseball America's Carlos Collazo is a beacon of hope for Washington Nationals fans, offering a positive outlook on the team's future. In an insightful interview, Collazo, a renowned national writer, shared his unique perspective on the Nationals' recent changes and their impact on the team's prospects.
A Love for Baseball and a Journey to Journalism
Collazo's passion for baseball began at a young age, thanks to his dad's early lessons. By four, he was hooked, dreaming of a big league career. Though he played through high school and even received a D3 offer, Collazo realized his playing days had limits. His growing passion for writing led him to pursue journalism at the University of North Carolina, which fortuitously brought him to Baseball America's headquarters nearby.
Meeting Industry Insiders and a Connection with the Nationals
Collazo's path at Baseball America introduced him to many industry figures, including Paul Toboni, the new Nationals President of Baseball Operations. Collazo has immense respect for Toboni's work in Boston and the people he's hired. One such hire is Peter Flaherty, the new Northeast area scouting supervisor, who Collazo worked with at Baseball America. Flaherty, with his scouting experience, is described as Collazo's "side-kick" and an "A+ human."
Evaluating the Nationals' Prospects and Farm System
Flaherty's expertise will be vital in rebuilding the Nationals' farm system, which Collazo sees as solid but lacking in top talent. While Collazo is impressed by some prospects, like the 2025 first overall pick Eli Willits, he believes the system needs improvement given the team's recent losing streak. None of the Nats' prospects are expected to make BA's top 15 in the next update, which is concerning for a team that hasn't had a winning season since 2019.
Collazo highlights the trade for Harry Ford as an exciting move. He believes Ford's offensive skills are ready for the big leagues, especially with the presence of Cal Raleigh in Seattle. However, there are doubts about Ford's defensive abilities, with some questioning his ability to stick behind the plate. Fortunately, Ford's athleticism could see him transition to the outfield.
The 2026 Draft: A Deep and Impactful Class
Collazo is particularly excited about the upcoming 2026 draft, calling it one of the deeper and more impactful classes he's covered in recent years. While the Nats won't be picking at the top due to lottery rules, Collazo is bullish on the class, mentioning potential options like college hitters Sawyer Strosnider, Derek Curiel, and Chris Hacopian, and high school hitters Jacob Lomard, Tyler Spangler, and Blake Bowen. He also highlights college arms Liam Peterson, Cameron Flukey, and Jackson Flora as top prospects.
Collazo is confident the new regime will provide better development for these players. Under the old regime, the team struggled to improve the players they acquired. Collazo believes players like Alex Clemmey and Seaver King could benefit from the new approach, with Clemmey needing to improve his control to project as more than a reliever, and King's athleticism and power still intriguing despite a rough year.
A Cautiously Optimistic Outlook
Overall, Collazo's outlook on the Nationals is cautiously optimistic. While he loves the new hires and changes, he believes the team still has a way to go. His insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of baseball scouting and evaluation. If you're interested in learning more about Collazo's work, be sure to subscribe to Baseball America or check out his content on the BA YouTube channel. He's a true expert in the field, and his insights are a pleasure to explore.
