No. 2 Nats prospect: Erick Fedde

With Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning traded to the Chicago White Sox, one remaining pitching prospect who had his name brought up a lot in offseason trade talks takes center stage.

Right-hander Erick Fedde appears to be close to making a big splash with the Nationals after gaining momentum with a solid 2016.

The 23-year-old pitched in 18 games (17 starts) with high Single-A Potomac, then was promoted to Double-A Harrisburg. Fedde pitched well in five starts for the Senators. Overall, Fedde went 8-5 with a 3.12 ERA over 121 innings with 123 strikeouts and 29 walks.

Baseball America has Fedde ranked as the No. 2 Nats prospect.

No. 2: RHP Erick Fedde

Baseball America national writer Teddy Cahill says Fedde has benefited from being two seasons away from the Tommy John surgery he underwent after being drafted by the Nationals.

"Well, he's only got stronger and better since he came back," Cahill noted. "Last year, when he debuted, he was still working through some things like everyone does after Tommy John, getting stuff back. Sounds like the slider has really returned to where it was before the injury.

"He's throwing more strikes. He's always been a guy that has had control and he's getting that back. His strength is there. Running the ball pretty good. He got to Double-A this year, which is an important step for him. He will probably go back; he didn't have that much time there. As he gets further away from surgery, he's getting better and better and starting to look more like that guy everyone thought he would be."

And with the likes of Giolito and Lopez moving on, general manager Mike Rizzo will not be afraid to reach out to Double-A to grab Fedde for a start or two. Fedde has the stuff to handle himself at the big league level, especially if the slider becomes a wicked pitch in his arsenal.