Ronny Cruz: Nats' Next Franchise Face?

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The Washington Nationals are stacking talent in their farm system, boasting five prospects in MLB Pipelines top 100, like shortstop Eli.

Will it's at number 10 and pitcher Travis Sakura at 48?

But the real buzz right now is 19-year-old outfielder Ronnie Cruz, who's flying under the radar at number 25 in their own rankings and

turning heads with his explosive start to the season. Cruz got scooped up from the Chicago Cubs last year in a trade for Michael Soroka, and after just 65 pro games, he's already forcing his way.

Up the ladder. He tore through single A, hitting 333 with 16 extra base hits, 14 RBI's and 15 steals in 14 games, drawing 9.

Walks against 15 strikeouts. Scouts are hyped, especially baseball America's Jeff Pontes, who's drawing straight lines to San Diego's superstar, Fernando Tatis Jr.

Pontes loves Cruz's elite barrel control and power angles, saying it echoes Tatis' early aggressive days despite some swing and miss stuff method to.

The madness that can make him a beast. Washington didn't hesitate, bumping him to high A Wilmington, and Cruz kept the fire going.

His first at-bat there? A home run. Through three games, he spied for 14, with two bombs and three RBI's, proving the pop is legit even against tougher arms.

If Cruz keeps climbing like this, he could rock it up those rankings and anchor the gnats for years, turning a low-key acquisition into their next, franchise space.