Embed from Getty Images
The future of the Washington Nationals is now. Juan Soto is a 19-year old phenom, orchestrating one of the greatest seasons by a teenager in Major League Baseball. And as great as the Dominican Republic native has been, he the Nationals second-best prospect. The title of the club’s best prospect belongs to another Dominican, Victor Robles.
The 21-year old got called up in the September expanded rosters, and after flashing his glove, arm, and base stealing skills, Monday he flashed his hitting and power, crushing his first home run of his MLB career.
Leading off the third inning, Robles got on top of an 89-mph off Trevor Richards, blasting the ball to left 427 feet.
Victor Robles absolutely crushed his first @MLB homer:
427 feet
105.4 mph exit velocity
30-degree launch angle
Watch the @Nationals No. 1 prospect live: https://t.co/ctz0hVRdah pic.twitter.com/pnCpqx27bY— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 18, 2018
The ball traveled at the speed of 105.4 mph, a rocket. Robles has a bit of everything, great eye for contact, power, speed, ability to flash his glove, and a rocket of an arm that will draw fear of base runners.
All of which, Robles has shown glimpses of in his short time with the Nationals during this latest call up. The future is bright and its now. Robles will need time to get his feet wet at the big league level, however, Monday was just a peep of what can and may be with him.
Victor Robles said hitting his first major league homer was an incredible feeling. Traded away a signed bat in order to get the home run ball from the fan. And who gets the ball? “It’s with me,” he said with a big smile.
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) September 18, 2018
Hitting your first MLB home run 427 feet is a tall feat and one that Robles will never forget about.
