Fangraphs Ranks Three Washington Nationals Prospects in Top 100

Eli Willits, Jarlin Susana and Harry Ford all feature in the Fangraphs top 100, while Travis Sykora just misses the cut

Feb. 19, 2026 at 8:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Fangraphs has released its top 100 prospect rankings, and three Washington Nationals players have made the list: Eli Willits (15th), Jarlin Susana (29th), and Harry Ford (74th). Travis Sykora, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, narrowly missed the cut at 109th. The article dives into Fangraphs' analysis and praise for each of the Nationals' top prospects.

Why it matters

The Nationals' farm system is on the rise, and these rankings from the respected Fangraphs publication highlight the team's growing pool of top talent. With multiple players cracking the top 100, the Nationals are positioning themselves well for future success as these prospects continue to develop.

The details

Eli Willits, the Nationals' 2025 first-round draft pick, was ranked 15th overall by Fangraphs. The publication praised Willits' well-rounded skillset, giving him 60-grade marks for his hit tool, defense, and running ability. Jarlin Susana, known for his overpowering stuff, was ranked 29th despite an injury that will keep him out until midseason. Fangraphs highlighted Susana's elite slider, which they graded as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. Harry Ford, acquired from the Mariners, came in at 74th, with Fangraphs projecting him as a solid starting catcher despite a lack of any plus tools. Travis Sykora, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, narrowly missed the top 100 at 109th, but Fangraphs praised his well-rounded arsenal and feel for pitching.

  • Fangraphs released their top 100 prospect rankings yesterday.

The players

Eli Willits

The Washington Nationals' 2025 first-round draft pick, ranked 15th overall on the Fangraphs top 100 prospect list.

Jarlin Susana

A Washington Nationals pitching prospect ranked 29th on the Fangraphs top 100 list, known for his overpowering stuff including a slider graded as 80 on the 20-80 scale.

Harry Ford

A catcher acquired by the Washington Nationals from the Seattle Mariners, ranked 74th on the Fangraphs top 100 prospect list.

Travis Sykora

A Washington Nationals pitching prospect who narrowly missed the Fangraphs top 100 list at 109th, praised for his well-rounded arsenal and feel for pitching.

Eric Longenhagen

The Fangraphs writer who authored the prospect rankings and analysis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Eli Willits' swing reminds me of Colt Emerson's coming out of the draft.”

— Eric Longenhagen, Fangraphs Writer

“Jarlin Susana's slider is one of the nastiest pitches on the planet. I compared it to Brad Lidge's slider, only Susana's is harder.”

— Eric Longenhagen, Fangraphs Writer

What’s next

The Nationals will be hoping that their top prospects, led by Eli Willits, Jarlin Susana, and Harry Ford, can continue to develop and make an impact at the major league level in the coming years as the team looks to build a contender.

The takeaway

The Nationals' farm system is on the rise, with multiple top-100 prospects highlighted by Fangraphs. This influx of young talent bodes well for the team's future, as they look to build a sustainable winner in the nation's capital.