Follow the Prospects: Jackson Cluff, SS

[imref]

Somehow Cluff didn't make the AFL all star team, but you can vote for him to be added at https://www.mlb.com/news/arizona-fall-league-2021-fall-stars-game-rosters

[Natsinpwc]

Somehow Cluff didn't make the AFL all star team, but you can vote for him to be added at https://www.mlb.com/news/arizona-fall-league-2021-fall-stars-game-rosters

You have to realize the offensive numbers were off the charts all around. Run scoring was up by two runs per team per game from what I read. Or to put another way everyone good had an OPS over .900.

[zimm_da_kid]

You have to realize the offensive numbers were off the charts all around. Run scoring was up by two runs per team per game from what I read. Or to put another way everyone good had an OPS over .900.

All the more reason Cole Henry is a potential stud (and by stud I’m hoping for a good-with-some-seasons-of-great #2 starter behind cavalli).  If Henry becomes the jzimm to cavalli’s strasburg that would be great.  Our pitching and our offense is on a great spot if we’ve bottomed out. 

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Somehow Cluff didn't make the AFL all star team, but you can vote for him to be added at https://www.mlb.com/news/arizona-fall-league-2021-fall-stars-game-rosters

one guy he's competing with is Houston's #1 prospect who had a lousy fall, the other is another guy who has played well.  Cluff is easily the least heralded of the 3.

The write ups all talk up Cluff's defense, which is not something I had heard emphasized here.  If he can hit, he's better than projected.

[imref]

now up to  .343/.447/.471 in 70AB, 7SBs.  Was 2-3 with a walk and a SB yesterday.

[imref]

https://www.federalbaseball.com/2021/11/18/22788715/washington-nationals-prospect-countdown-number-20-jackson-cluff

[imref]

From the championship game preview:

https://www.mlb.com/news/arizona-fall-league-championship-game-2021?t=arizona-fall-league-coverage

Nationals: Jackson Cluff, SS (No. 19)
Cluff missed out on a good chunk of the season with a broken thumb and wasn’t much of a productive Double-A hitter (.190/.278/.278 in 35 games) when he did play. Sent to the Fall League to make up for lost time, he’s accomplished more than that with Surprise. Cluff hit .342/.432/.456 with seven extra-base hits and eight stolen bases in 22 games in Arizona. His above-average speed and good fielding ability in the middle of the infield gave him a decent floor, but an improved bat in the fall have helped level out his stock.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I'll guess they view him as the next Adrian Sanchez, with an upside if he can actually hit.

[welch]

I'll guess they view him as the next Adrian Sanchez, with an upside if he can actually hit.

I'd guess that Cluff gets to Rochester early in the year, and then we see. Rochester has no infielders, from 1B around to 3B, unless Jake Noll is at either corner. It's a wide open team.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Defensive PoY in the AFL

[welch]

Defensive PoY in the AFL

That's great. Hit well in AFL, meaning against primo prospects.

[UMDNats]

That's great. Hit well in AFL, meaning against primo prospects.

AFL is a heavy, heavy, heavy hitters league. i wouldn't read much into it.

[imref]

https://www.mlb.com/news/top-performers-in-afl-championship

8. Jackson Cluff, SS, Nationals: There weren’t many highlights for Surprise in this one, but Cluff showed why he was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the seventh inning. Blue Jays catcher Gabriel Moreno sent a 112.5 mph scorcher up the middle that seemed destined to be a hit, but Cluff ranged to his left, dove, popped up and threw a strike to get Moreno by a stride.

video at the link if you are OK with the 30 second commercial first

[GNatsNoMore]

Upbeat article on Cluff in the Post today:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/11/26/jackson-cluff-nationals-prospect/

The article describes Cluff as "the closest shortstop [in the Nats' minor league system] to the majors."  Rizzo describes Cluff as a potential every day player at short or second, or a super utility player. 

The article also notes that Cluff focused on "hunting early count fastballs" in the Arizona League, and that Cluff is committed to improving his throwing accuracy by working on his footwork.  I'm looking forward to seeing him in Spring training.

[varoadking]

Upbeat article on Cluff in the Post today:

The article describes Cluff as "the closest shortstop [in the Nats' minor league system] to the majors."

I'm looking forward to seeing him in Spring training.

You should join us at the ST M&G on March 17th...

[imref]

Cluff to see time at 2B and OF this season in addition to SS.

[Smithian]

Assuming neither has a collapse at the plate, Cesar Hernandez and Alcides Escobar profile as guys who can be moved easily at the deadline. If Cluff plays well, there will be opportunities to mak the majors in the second half. Even if the Nationals don't sell at the deadline, not like we have a crowded infield.

Up to Cluff. He hits in the minors, he'll be up this season.

[blue911]

Assuming neither has a collapse at the plate, Cesar Hernandez and Alcides Escobar profile as guys who can be moved easily at the deadline. If Cluff plays well, there will be opportunities to mak the majors in the second half. Even if the Nationals don't sell at the deadline, not like we have a crowded infield.

Up to Cluff. He hits in the minors, he'll be up this season.

If by moved easily moved you mean released, then I agree. Otherwise nope

[imref]

Cluff is really struggling so far at AA - 0-7, 5Ks yesterday. .077 /.100 / .279 in 39 ABs so far.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Cluff is really struggling so far at AA - 0-7, 5Ks yesterday. .077 /.100 / .279 in 39 ABs so far.

Month + later and still struggling at the plate.

[imref]

Month + later and still struggling at the plate.

very disappointing given his AFL performance.

[Smithian]

Assuming neither has a collapse at the plate, Cesar Hernandez and Alcides Escobar profile as guys who can be moved easily at the deadline. If Cluff plays well, there will be opportunities to mak the majors in the second half. Even if the Nationals don't sell at the deadline, not like we have a crowded infield.

Up to Cluff. He hits in the minors, he'll be up this season.

It's past time, Jackson

[Smithian]

Cluff had a disastrous start to the season.

But in July, he had a .219/.320/.391 line. Not terrible. It's a sign of line.

If he has a strong finish to the season, he could get a camp invite next year. Luis Garcia will start somewhere, but we have two infield spots which will be totally open with Franco and Hernandez as FAs.

[imref]

Cluff had a disastrous start to the season.

But in July, he had a .219/.320/.391 line. Not terrible. It's a sign of line.

If he has a strong finish to the season, he could get a camp invite next year. Luis Garcia will start somewhere, but we have two infield spots which will be totally open with Franco and Hernandez as FAs.

I was really high on Cluff after his performance in the AFL last year, but at this point he's looking like a bust.  He'll be 26 heading into camp next year.

[Elvir Ovcina]

I was really high on Cluff after his performance in the AFL last year, but at this point he's looking like a bust.  He'll be 26 heading into camp next year.

It seems he can't hit AA.  That's pretty common point of failure for guys drafted in his range and not a big deal in the grand scheme.  It happens.  Like you said, mostly a disappointment in light of his AFL appearance.