No. 9 Nats prospect: Steven Souza Jr.

It was another attention grabbing season for outfielder Steven Souza Jr., in the Nationals organization. Souza also has garnered positive feedback from Baseball America, which has him moved up to the No. 9 spot in the Nationals' Top 10 prospects for 2014, according to Baseball America national writer Aaron Fitt. No. 9 OF Steven Souza Jr. "He is kind of a neat story and a talent," Fitt said. "I have heard scouts saying they really believe in him, that they think he can be a Matt Holliday-type tool package. That might be a reach and even the scout that told me that doesn't think he will be Matt Holliday, but he has heard other people say that." The Holliday comparison is a nice one to hear. Fitt said Souza brings the frame at 6-foot-3, 220 lbs., and has made great progress the last two seasons. "There is that kind of ability. He is strong, he can run," Fitt said. "He throws well up there. Defensively, he is still learning the outfield. I think he has a chance to be a good enough defender out there. "I think he is a late bloomer. I believe in this guy. At this point, I think he is going to be a big leaguer. He is almost there. He is in Double-A. He needs to stay healthy. I think he is going to hit for some power. He can hit for average, too. His approach is good. I think he has a chance, I really do." Souza hit .300 in 77 games for Double-A Harrisburg last season. He connected on 23 doubles, one triple, 15 homers, 44 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He hit well in the Arizona Fall League, batting .357 in 11 games with a .426 on-base percentage. It is very conceivable that Souza could make that jump similar to Tyler Moore's rise two seasons ago. He certainly has the power and consistency at the plate to become a factor for the Nationals sooner than later.