After missing 2024 with Tommy John Surgery, Jake Bennett has flown under the radar, but he still has upside
Jake Bennett has become a forgotten prospect in the Nationals system. However, he is capable of having a Jake Irvin or Mitchell Parker type impact if he is healthy. After undergoing Tommy John Surgery in September of 2023, Bennett missed the whole 2024 campaign. Before that, he looked poised to have a quick rise through the minors.
Jake Bennett was a second round pick in the 2022 draft, known for his plus changeup and good command. He is one of several University of Oklahoma pitchers the Nats have selected in recent years, with others including Jake Irvin and Cade Cavalli.
While his stuff isn’t as loud as Cavalli, Bennett has middle of the rotation upside. In a recent bullpen, his velocity was in the mid-90’s, a good sign for his Tommy John recovery. He should be good to go to start the season. At his best, Bennett can be a ground ball machine, with a low to mid 90’s sinker and a plus changeup.
When Bennett was on the mound in 2023, he was very impressive before he got hurt. In 15 starts, he posted a 3.14 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 63 innings. If he comes back from injury looking the same, Bennett can fly through the system. He is a crafty lefty with an advanced arsenal. However, he also has better stuff than the average “crafty lefty”.
Over the last 18 months, a number of Nats starters have taken the leap and emerged as solid big league starters. There is no reason Bennett can’t do the same in either late 2025 or 2026. He was a better prospect than the likes of Jake Irvin and Mitchell Parker, who have established themselves as big league starters. If it weren’t for injury, I believe Bennett could have easily done what Parker did last year.
While his innings will be monitored coming back from Tommy John Surgery, the Nats shouldn’t waste Bennett’s bullets at lower levels. He should start the year at Double-A Harrisburg. Bennett has a solid feel to pitch with good stuff. If I could choose any Nats pitcher who could “come out of nowhere” and become a rotation mainstay, Jake Bennett is my pick.