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Blake Perkins
The Nationals made the most of their two second-round picks in the 2015 Draft by selecting the best defensive outfielders still on the board in Andrew Stevenson and Arizona high school product Perkins. Though Perkins was Washington's second choice, he received the highest bonus in its Draft crop at $800,000 for his five-tool potential. Those tools were on full display during his first full season in the Class A South Atlantic League, as he hit for both average and power, paced the circuit in runs scored (105) and walks (72) and showed impact potential in center field as well as on the basepaths.
The Nationals helped Perkins become a switch-hitter upon entering the pro ranks, and the club is thrilled with his early returns from both sides of the plate. He made huge strides as a lefty in 2017, collecting 25 of his 39 extra-base hits including all eight of his home runs from that side, albeit with some swing-and-miss tendencies. He's more contact-oriented with modest gap power from his natural right side, while his patient approach and discerning eye stands out on both sides of the plate.
Perkins' plus speed translated to 31 steals in his first full season, and he should continue to swipe bags with ease thanks to his strong on-base skills. He gets excellent jumps and has range for days in all directions in center field, with average arm strength that allows him to play all three outfield positions if needed. Perkins has the ceiling of a top-of-the-order center fielder, with a fourth-outfielder floor thanks to his across-the-board tools.
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