Tyler

Herron

A first-round pick in 2005, Herron has a career 3.99 ERA in the minors and spent last season in the Independent leagues. The 26-year-old will likely serve in an organizational depth role with the Nationals.

Herron is 6-4 with a 2.92 ERA, 46 H and 59/12 K/BB in 61 2/3 innings. The Cardinals have been quite careful with the 20-year-old, but he’s steadily turning into one of the team’s best pitching prospects. He gets quite a few grounders with his sinking fastball, and he also has a pretty good changeup. He could be a future No. 3.

The 46th overall pick in the 2005 draft, Herron had a 4.34 ERA and 37/22 K/BB ratio in 45 2/3 innings at Double-A Springfield this season and has been pitching through a decrease in velocity and loss of command. Despite his recent struggles, the 22-year-old figures to get a shot with another organization.

Herron, a former top pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, has been assigned to Double-A Altoona. He had been struggling with velocity and command at the time of his release by the Cardinals earlier this month.