The Rochester Red Wings are welcoming two new additions to their roster as the Nationals’ organization continues to shape its future. Left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and outfielder Christian Franklin, both highly regarded for their skills and potential, have recently arrived in the wake of a pair of impactful trades.

As both players settle into Triple-A life in Rochester, fans can look forward to seeing fresh talent on display—and perhaps even a glimpse of the next wave of Washington’s rising stars. This article takes a closer look at what Eder and Franklin bring to the Red Wings, how they’ve fared so far, and why their arrival could be a turning point for both the team and their professional journeys.

Jake Eder

The Nationals recently acquired left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown in a deal that sent Andrew Chafin and Luis Garcia to another club. Brown has landed with AA Harrisburg, while Eder is now with AAA Rochester. Earlier this season, Eder made 13 starts for Salt Lake City in the AAA Pacific Coast League, shuttling between there and the parent club in Los Angeles. In Salt Lake, he went 2–7 with a 6.11 ERA—a figure that might look concerning, but is somewhat typical for the hitter-friendly PCL and the altitude of Salt Lake City.

Eder impressed enough to earn three stints with the Los Angeles Angels, pitching eight games in relief. Before the All-Star break, he was especially effective: over six appearances, he pitched mostly in low-leverage spots. He posted a 1.93 ERA, allowing opponents to bat just .133 against him and boasting a WHIP of 0.96. However, after the All-Star break, his performance dipped. Facing the Phillies and Mets, his key secondary pitch—a changeup—wasn’t as effective, and his ERA in those two outings jumped to 8.00 with a .429 opponents’ batting average.

On the positive side, his July 23 start against the Mets saw him throw six innings with seven strikeouts. Eder’s arsenal includes a 92–94 mph four-seam fastball (44% usage), a slider at 88 mph (20%), and both a sweeper and a changeup in the 83–85 mph range (19% each). Pre-Tommy John surgery in 2021, his fastball sat closer to 96–98 mph. While Eder does a good job mixing pitches, he’s still working to develop more consistent command. As one scout put it: “When Eder is ahead in the count, he’s very effective. But if he falls behind, hitters make him pay.”

Eder Outlook: He’ll work with Rochester’s pitching coach, Rafael Chavez, to polish his command. If he regains his sharp pre-All-Star form, Eder could be in Washington before Labor Day. If struggles with walks and falling behind batters continue, he may stay with Rochester through the season’s end.

Christian Franklin

Christian Franklin joined the organization in the trade, sending Michael Soroka to the Chicago Cubs, alongside shortstop Ronny Cruz—who’s now with the FCL Nationals—while Franklin starts with AAA Rochester. A fourth-round pick in 2021, Franklin missed all of 2022 with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee but rebounded to reach AAA Iowa this season.

Franklin’s minor league progress has been impressive, landing him at #11 on Washington’s top 30 prospect list. In over 300 at-bats for Iowa this year, he’s posted a .265 career minor league average, drawing 63 walks to 80 strikeouts, clubbing eight home runs, and notching 41 RBI. His discipline is a standout trait: this season’s .393 on-base percentage mirrors his marks from prior years (.426 in 2021, .384 in 2023, .398 in 2024). Franklin’s OBP consistently averages 147 points above his batting average—a remarkable feat, reflecting his disciplined approach and selective eye.

Defensively, Franklin covers all three outfield spots with above-average speed and arm strength. He’s projected as an excellent fit as a fourth outfielder, offering versatility and strong reads on balls hit into the outfield.

Franklin’s Rochester debut corroborated the scouting reports: over his first three games, he batted .364 (4-for-11) with three walks for a .500 OBP. He showed a contact-driven, team-first approach—hitting to all fields, laying down a key sacrifice bunt to advance a runner, and consistently doing the little things that drive team wins.

Franklin Outlook: With Rob Hassell III promoted recently, Franklin should see ample playing time in Rochester. His consistent on-base ability makes him a player the Nationals can’t ignore. Franklin’s well-rounded game and baseball IQ suggest this acquisition could turn out to be one of the organization’s best recent moves.

Reply

or to participate

Keep Reading

No posts found