Dominican teenager Juan Soto prime example of Nationals' improved outfield depth

The six outfielders the Nationals have on the early-camp roster are a great demonstration of that athletic talent level the club has recognized rising this season as they get working out in Viera, Fla.

"We've got a good group of talent. I think it's probably one of our most athletic groups we've had," said Nationals director of player development Mark Scialabba.

The early-camp outfield roster consists of 22-year-old Rafael Bautista, as well as Telmito Agustin, Blake Perkins, Victor Robles, Rhett Wiseman and Andrew Stevenson.

"We're excited about the talent level here, especially in center field," Scialabba said. "The outfielders are special, physical athletes. They have quick twitch bodies that have athleticism. Good group of young players from 18 years to 22 years old that are all very competitive and are exciting with upside."

Scialabba said this year's outfield crop at the early camp is a representation of the drafting philosophy the Nationals have employed recently to get talent and athleticism in each one of their baseball prospects. He sees that higher quality of ballplayer on this roster.

"I think it's a conscious decision from our staff to acquire talent that is athletic, up-the-middle-of-the-diamond players that have baseball skills that will be able to translate and hopefully realize their upside," Scialabba said. "We want them to follow through the programs and progress through the system. That is our strategy in the draft and internationally as well."

One such player for the future is Dominican 17-year-old outfielder Juan Soto. He has not played one game as a professional with the club but is already listed as one of the Nationals' top 30 prospects, according to MLB.com. Soto is ranked No. 15. He is not at the early camp, but could be in Florida very soon.

The Nationals signed the potential corner outfielder last July for their highest signing bonus for an international prospect in the club's history. Soto is a reported 6-foot-1 and 175 lbs. out of Santo Domingo. Scialabba said the staff is very impressed with the tools Soto brings to the field.

"He is a natural hitter with good leverage to swing, size, strength," Scialabba said. "He has a short swing, extension through the zone, exciting barrel awareness. You see upside there as a potential impact bat down the road, someone that is just getting his feet wet in professional baseball. He was in the instructional league games last year."

The organization has not made a decision yet where Soto will begin this season. The Nationals signed him to a reported $1.5 million signing bonus. It is a large investment, but the club says they like his potential.

There is a possibility he would begin in the Dominican Summer League, but the club doesn't want to limit Soto, his age not being a factor. It's all about how good he is at his craft. The Nationals will get a chance to see him play at their facility this spring and that's when they will get a better gauge.