Nationals Prospects: With a promotion, Travis Sykora’s stock could explode

Washington Nationals number 1 prospect Travis Sykora is finally in High-A, and is ready to prove himself

After starting the season injured following offseason hip surgery, Travis Sykora had a few tune up starts in the FCL and in Low-A. In those starts, he looked like a big leaguer on a rehab assignment, striking out 23 batters in 11 innings, giving up two hits and three walks. Now he is finally going to High-A Wilmington.

Personally, I am very excited to see Sykora challenged at a higher level. He looked way too good for Low-A in the back half of last season. Honestly, there is a decent chance he does not face a ton of opposition until he is in Double-A.

We need to see him perform in High-A, but if Sykora looks dominant, Mike Rizzo should be unafraid to push him to Double-A. He has been totally electric in his Minor League career so far, and it should continue.

Drafted in the third round of the 2023 Draft, Sykora was known for his big arm as an amateur. He touched triple-digits in high school. However, his polish has been the difference maker in pro ball. Last year, he lived in the 93-96 MPH range. Now we know some of that was due to his hip problem. He was sitting at 96 and touching 98 in his start in Fredericksburg.

Sykora also has two filthy secondary pitches to go with the big fastball. His slider is disgusting and he has a splitter that also flashes plus. However, it has been his command that has really stood out. Sykora was known as a pure power pitcher in high school, but that advanced command to go with it is what makes him a top pitching prospect in baseball.

He is the number one prospect in the Nationals organization for a reason. Sykora looks like a potential ace. The only thing he needs to prove is that he can do it at higher levels. He now has the chance to do that.

Honestly, with how he has looked at Low-A and the pitcher friendly dimensions in Wilmington, Sykora should not have a ton of trouble in High-A. I want to see him in Double-A as soon as possible.

Many people say the jump from High-A to Double-A is the biggest jump in the minors. However, it should be one that Travis Sykora will be ready for. His stuff looks like it has the juice to play at any level. It will be interesting to see if his command looks as sharp against more advanced hitters.

Before he gets to Double-A, he needs to get through High-A. At High-A, he will form a dynamic duo with southpaw Alex Clemmey. The two both have dynamic stuff, but Clemmey’s command is well behind Sykora’s.

Travis Sykora is finally getting his promotion, and it should not be his last one this season. Sykora is one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, now it is time for him to show it at a higher level