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Ranking the Washington Nationals’ Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

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Ranking the Washington Nationals' Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

MLB: Washington Nationals-Workout
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After a disappointing finish to their 2015 season with a roster that is starting to show the effects of aging in certain places, the Washington Nationals may need to start relying on their farm system more and more moving forward. Fortunately for them, the Nats have quite a few promising players working their way through the minors, especially on the pitching side of things. Here is a look at Washington’s top five prospects heading into 2016.

5. Wilmer Difo, Shortstop

Wilmer Difo Nationals
Evan Habeeb - USATODAY Sports

5. Wilmer Difo, Shortstop

Wilmer Difo Nationals
Evan Habeeb - USATODAY Sports

Difo had a breakout season in low-A ball in 2014 and followed it up with a solid season in Double-A in 2015, earning him a late-season cameo in the big leagues. Over the last two seasons, Difo has managed to turn his contact-oriented approach into hits, allowing him to get on base where he's able to use his incredible speed. Between his improved hitting, his speed and his ability to play either middle infield position, Difo has a bright future.

4. A.J. Cole, Pitcher

A.J. Cole Spring Training
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4. A.J. Cole, Pitcher

A.J. Cole Spring Training
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Cole didn't make a great first impression in three big league appearances in 2015, but he did put together an impressive season in Triple-A, working to a 3.15 ERA and showing he's ready to compete for a spot in the big league rotation in 2016. Cole has a great fastball, and he's not afraid to go after hitters with it. With an above-average changeup and a viable breaking pitch also in his arsenal, Cole will be a solid rotation piece for the Nats.

3. Reynaldo Lopez, Pitcher

Nationals Park
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3. Reynaldo Lopez, Pitcher

Nationals Park
Tommy Gilligan - USATODAY Sports

Lopez put up rather modest numbers in advanced-A ball in 2015, but he has the talent and ability to be an impact big league pitcher. He signed when he was 18, which is two years later than most Dominican players, and he's also missed time due to injuries, so he remains raw. That being said, Lopez has a fastball in the mid to upper 90s, and he's turned his curveball into a swing-and-miss pitch, making great progress towards becoming a big leaguer.

2. Trea Turner, Shortstop

Trea Turner Nationals
Andy Marlin - USATODAY Sports

2. Trea Turner, Shortstop

Trea Turner Nationals
Andy Marlin - USATODAY Sports

Turner is known for his speed, and quite appropriately he shot through the minors at lightning speed, debuting with the Nationals this past August after being drafted in 2014. He could benefit from more time in the minors, but with Ian Desmond being a free agent, Washington may need him to be their opening day shortstop in 2016. There could still be some growing pains, but Turner looks ready to be the Nats' shortstop for a long time.

1. Lucas Giolito, Pitcher

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
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1. Lucas Giolito, Pitcher

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
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Giolito is Washington's best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. His fastball sits in the mid to upper 90s and should be among the best in the majors once he gets there. His curveball is nearly as good and his changeup is coming along nicely as well. Giolito has all the tools to be an elite big league pitcher at the front of a rotation. Despite a lack of minor league experience, he could be in Washington by the end of 2016.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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