MLB Prospect Profile: OF Victor Robles, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals have a pretty crowded outfield. NL MVP Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth, Michael Taylor, and Ben Revere are the current outfield options. However, the Nats may have another outfield phenom on its way. In our first MLB prospect profile, we’ll profile the outfielder Victor Robles, a kid who’s stock is rapidly growing.

The 18-year-old was signed out of the Dominican Republic for $225K in 2013. He wasn’t exactly a high-profile signing, but it gave them some depth in their farm system. However, he proved that he was something special and did it pretty quickly.

In Rookie Ball in 2014, Robles hit three homers, 27 RBI, and a slash line of .313/.408/.484 in 47 games. He played all but two games in center field, having a .948 fielding percentage. He also showed his speed, stealing 22 bags in that season, being caught stealing only nine times. He ranked as a Top 20 Dominican Summer League (DSL) prospect after that season.

In 2015 in time split between Rookie Ball/Low A Ball, Robles played 61 games, hitting four homers, 27 RBI, and a slash of .352/.445/.507. His hits rose as well, going from 45 in 2014 to 75 in 2015. He stole 24 bases in 2015, only being caught stealing four times, and his fielding percentage went up to a .979.

Ben Badler of Baseball America spoke of Robles in an article he recently wrote:

“Robles’ tools, right-handed hitting ability and instincts for the game would have made him a high first-round pick had he been a high school senior in the United States this year instead of an international free agent the Nationals acquired for a low six-figure bonus out of the Dominican Republic two years ago when he was 16.”

Robles seems to get better with time. If he gets up to Double A or even Triple A within the next year, assuming he starts in A Ball, he could have a nice year. He should be MLB ready in two to three years.

Here are some highlights from Baseball America’s YouTube channel: