PROSPECTO POSIBLE NUMERO UNO EN LA MLB 2016

Scouting grades: Fastball: 80 | Curveball: 70 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 | Overall: 70 Scouts viewed Giolito as the top prep hurler available in the 2012 Draft, but he fell to the Nationals at No. 16 overall after missing most of his senior year with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament, and then underwent Tommy John surgery after signing. He turned in an impressive full-season debut in 2014, before splitting his time between Class A Advanced Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg in 2015, establishing career highs with 131 strikeouts and 117 innings. After pitching out of the bullpen in the 2014 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, Giolito was awarded the start for the U.S. squad last summer, and he did not disappoint, showcasing his three outstanding pitches over two scoreless frames. Giolito has the highest ceiling among Minor League pitchers, boasting an elite fastball that sits mid-to-upper-90s and a 12-to-6 curveball that he throws with power and hard, downer action. His changeup has steadily improved in the past two seasons and his confidence along with it, giving him a legitimate weapon against left-handed hitters. The sky is the limit for Giolito, who has the stuff, physicality and command to develop into an ace. The Nats would like to see him make additional strides with his changeup and become more comfortable pitching with runners on base, but there's little doubt that he's nearly ready to make an impact at the highest level. 2016 EAS Team W L ERA G GS SV IP H HR BB K AVG WHIP GO/AO HAR 5 3 3.17 14 14 0 71.0 67 2 34 72 .247 1.42 1.31 Minors 5 3 3.17 14 14 0 71.0 67 2 34 72 .247 1.42