Good Morning Washington Nationals Fan,
Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for today, July 13, 2023. I am Haden Raymer and let’s talk about Gavin Adams not signing with the Nats.
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Leading today’s Morning Briefing: 11th round pick will not sign with the Nats
At the beginning of Day 3 of the draft, the Nationals selected right-handed pitcher Gavin Adams out of JUCO. Adams was the 242nd prospect in the draft, but he did come with sign-ability concerns. Those concerns have now come to fruition, with Adams telling reporters he will not sign with the Nationals. This is not the end of the world, since the Nationals did get an absolute haul with their first four picks in the draft. Still, I and many others were shocked that the Nationals didn’t sign a player that they had all night to verify that they had enough money to pry him away from school.
My brain immediately jumps to high school pitcher James Ellwanger, who seemed like a long shot to sign with the organization. Maybe he gave the Nats a number that was achievable if Adams wasn’t signed. While it isn’t the end of the world if neither sign, it is a little embarrassing if they don’t.
Down on the Farm
All of the Washington Nationals farm teams will return to action this weekend after the All-Star break. Here are this weekend’s matchups.
The Red Wings will have a weekend series in Syracuse against the Mets Triple-A team.
The Harrisburg Senators will kick off their post-All-Star break run with a weekend homestand against the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks will return from their All-Star break by traveling to Aberdeen, MD to face the Aberdeen IronBirds which is the High-A-affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
The FredNats kick off their post-All-Star break with a homestand against Lynchburg Hillcats the Single-A-affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Could we see some new prospects at this weekend’s games? If so, don’t worry we will have you covered.
Around the League
MLB will have a series in Korea to open up the 2024 season
James Wood and Dylan Crews ranked #3 and #4 in baseball by BaseballProspectus
Why the Nats are trading Jeimer Candelario via FanGraphs