Nationals Prospects: Daylen Lile is the Nats most underrated prospect

Daylen Lile is raking in the upper levels of the minors and could be ready for the big leagues later this season

When it comes to Washington Nationals prospects, Daylen Lile flies under the radar. He is far from the biggest name in the Nats system, especially among outfielders. However, his performances so far this season demand our attention.

In 21 games at Double-A, Lile hit .319 with an .845 OPS. This is made all the more impressive when you account for the fact that Harrisburg is a tough place to hit. Lile made that place his playground and got rewarded with a promotion to Triple-A. In his first at bat for Rochester, Lile smoked a triple into the gap to get the Red Wings started.

Despite sharing an outfield with guys like Robert Hassell and Andrew Pinckney, Lile is now the best prospect in that Rochester outfield. The 22 year old was drafted in the second round back in 2021. After missing what would have been his first pro season with Tommy John Surgery, it has been a steady climb for the young outfielder.

He is not the flashiest player in the world, but Lile really knows how to hit. There is not a ton of power, but he is showing more doubles power this year and has 15-18 homer upside. Lile already has 11 extra base hits this season, which is a good sign.

The biggest thing Lile needs to prove is that he is not a tweener. A skeptic would say he does not quite have the glove for center field or the offensive thump needed to play in a corner. However, he is answering the bell so far this season.

Another element of Lile’s game is his athleticism. He has at least above average if not plus speed. That is shown by his 24 triples and 56 steals in his Minor League career. The triples are very impressive. He had 10 in each of his first two seasons and already has four this year.

In many ways, Lile is what people think/want Robert Hassell to be. He is a sweet swinging left handed hitter who doesn’t strike out much and is growing into his power. While he has not taken a ton of walks this year, he has shown patience in the past.

I think Daylen Lile has a real shot to make an impact in the big leagues in the second half of the season. Yes, he needs to perform in AAA, but his bat has translated wherever he has gone so far. In his first game at the new level, Lile tripled and walked, so the early returns look good.

If Jacob Young continues to struggle at the plate, it would be fun to see an outfield with James Wood in left, Dylan Crews in center and Daylen Lile in right. The 22 year old really deserves more love. A lot of Nats prospects have the upside, but aren’t able to perform. However, Lile has just hit wherever he has been.

There is some Adam Eaton in Lile’s game, with his smooth stroke, gap power and solid defense in a corner. The Nats need some steady players in their lineup and I think Lile can be that.

There are a lot of young outfielders to compete with in the Nats organization, but Daylen Lile is moving his way up the pecking order. For me, he is the third best young outfielder long term behind Wood and Crews. He is the Nationals most underrated prospect, but with how he is hitting, Daylen Lile won’t be flying under the radar much longer.