Nick

Schnell

Schnell was selected by the Rays with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 draft, but he never earned himself much 40-man-roster consideration before leaving as a free agent prior to last season. Signed by the Nationals, he wound up with a .257/.321/.478 line and 23 homers between Double- and Triple-A, but he struck out 31% of the time in the process. Most likely, he’s going to top out as a Triple-A guy.

Schnell was the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft but has been held back by strikeout issues in his six minor league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2024, he made it to Triple-A, but he hit just .213 with a 39.6 percent strikeout rate in 26 games. There were concerns with his swing path when he was drafted, so it’s a longshot that the Nationals will finally find a way to fix his swing.

Schnell is a potential five-tool player, but drops some because of his swing path, which features the dreaded “arm bar.” He has excellent bat speed, however, and he has plus speed and can go get it in the outfield. Add in solid power, and he has a chance to be a regular someday.