Nationals' Cornelio Impresses with Velocity Spike, Resembling Teammate Lord

Breakout prospect Riley Cornelio has followed a similar path to Brad Lord, earning a roster spot with increased velocity.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Washington Nationals prospect Riley Cornelio is drawing comparisons to teammate Brad Lord after a breakout 2025 season and a strong spring training performance that has seen his velocity spike. Like Lord last year, Cornelio has added several ticks to his fastball, now averaging over 96 mph, and has impressed with his wipeout slider. The Nationals are high on Cornelio's potential and he could challenge for a bullpen spot to start the season.

Why it matters

The Nationals are looking to build a strong pitching staff and develop young talent, and Cornelio's emergence as a power arm could be a significant boost to their plans. His ability to pitch in multiple roles, either as a starter or high-leverage reliever, makes him a valuable asset for the team.

The details

Cornelio, a 7th-round pick in 2022, posted a 3.28 ERA across three minor league levels last season. This spring, he has taken his game to another level, averaging over 97 mph on his fastball in his first outing and sitting 95-96 mph in his second. The increased velocity has led to dominant results, with Cornelio allowing just one hit, no walks, and three strikeouts in two innings of work. Nationals veteran Brad Lord, who had a breakout 2025 season, has praised Cornelio as the most underrated player in Nats camp.

  • Cornelio was drafted by the Nationals in the 7th round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
  • In 2025, Cornelio had a breakout season, posting a 3.28 ERA in 134.1 innings across three minor league levels.
  • This spring, Cornelio has seen his velocity spike, averaging over 96 mph on his fastball.

The players

Riley Cornelio

A right-handed pitching prospect in the Washington Nationals organization, Cornelio was drafted in the 7th round in 2022 and is coming off a breakout 2025 season in the minors.

Brad Lord

A veteran pitcher in the Nationals organization who had a breakout 2025 season and has praised Cornelio as the most underrated player in Nats camp.

Blake Butera

The manager of the Washington Nationals.

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What they’re saying

“Riley Cornelio is the most underrated player in Nats camp.”

— Brad Lord (Grant Paulsen)

What’s next

Cornelio will need to continue his strong spring performances to earn a spot on the Nationals' Opening Day roster, as he faces competition from other pitchers in the organization.

The takeaway

Cornelio's emergence as a power arm with increased velocity mirrors the path of teammate Brad Lord, and could provide a significant boost to the Nationals' pitching staff if he can carry his spring success into the regular season.