Colton

Willems

Willems, from a high school in Florida, has been clocked at up to 96 mph and has very good command for a pitcher who doesn’t turn 18 until the end of July. His breaking pitches need a lot of work, but the Nationals didn’t reach with the pick.

The 6-foot-3 right-hander was drafted out of high school and is still only 21 years old, but he’s been frustrated by a lack of progress in the low minor leagues. Willems had an 0-1 record and a 9.49 ERA out of the bullpen this season at Single-A Hagerstown. The Nats placed him on the restricted list.

Willems, the 22nd overall pick in the 2006 draft, has perhaps the best arm of any Nationals pitching prospect. However, he had to be shut down last year with a minor elbow problem and the team wasn’t ready to test him with full-season ball this year. He’s still a ways away from being a fantasy prospect.