No. 8 Nats prospect: Carter Kieboom

The Nationals were thrilled to be able to grab shortstop Carter Kieboom in the first round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. The club had been well acquainted with his brother, catcher Spencer Kieboom, and in their times scouting him got to see Carter work, as well. Carter Kieboom turned down a full scholarship at Clemson University to go pro with the Nationals.

Carter, 19, was assigned to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Nationals on June 24. He played 36 games with them, hitting .244 with eight doubles, four triples, four homers and 25 RBIs.

Baseball America's Teddy Cahill has Carter Kieboom at No. 8 in the 2016 Nats top 10 prospects list.

No. 8: SS Carter Kieboom

"You are talking about a guy who comes in the teens overall in the draft, goes to the GCL and is banged up a little bit," Cahill said. "He held his own, did fine there. You're looking at a up the middle player with offensive potential. Obviously, being drafted out of high school, he has work to do, he's several years away.

"But the tools are exciting. He's got what it takes to stay at shortstop, to develop at shortstop, and you never know who actually can stay there long term or not, but he's a guy who should have every chance to be able to do that."

Carter Kieboom is 6-foot-2, 190 lbs., and displayed a power stroke with the GCL Nats, reaching .452 slugging percentage. It appears Carter has the athletic ability to play several infield defensive positons for the Nats. Could he eventually play third base?

"It's quite possible he could grow into that, yes," Cahill confirmed.

The likely starting point for Carter Kieboom this upcoming season would be at low Single-A Hagerstown. Having his brother in the same system will also help Carter get acclimated quicker as well, and staying healthy will also help him have a very productive campaign.