Andry Lara

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #15 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Lara was the top player in the Nationals' 2019 international class and signed for a $1.25 million bonus. After spending 2020 at the organization's facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and struggling at instructional league, his 2021 debut was much more promising. In 2022, he was the youngest pitcher on Low-A Fredericksburg's roster. He struggled in the Carolina League, especially in July where he owned a 7.31 ERA.
  
  Scouting Report: Lara has a smooth delivery and an all-around athletic operation on the mound, but he needs to continue adding strength to his frame to sustain his mid-90s velocity throughout outings. His fastball sits around 94 mph and has touched 98, while both his secondaries need more refinement and consistency. Lara's slider was his go-to and best secondary in 2022. It's a low-80s slider that has slurve-like shape at times. An upper-80s changeup is his third offering, and he needs to develop more feel for it to become an average third pitch to fully round out his arsenal. It's a key focus of his offseason work. Lara is praised for his maturity and work ethic for his age, and he'll be in just his age-20 season during 2023.
  
  The Future: Lara's confidence and ability to make adjustments impressed the organization, despite some ugly outings. The Nationals consider the 2022 season a 'learning year' and hope he can find a better routine in 2023. If he can develop an average third pitch, he could move quickly.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 55 Changeup: 45. Control: 50
• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #5 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Lara signed for $1.25 million as the top player in the Nationals’ 2019 international class, meaning he had the misfortune of having his debut delayed due to the pandemic. After spending 2020 sequestered in a hotel and the team facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and then battling through struggles at instructional league late in the year, Lara finally debuted in the Florida Complex League in 2021, pitching well enough to earn a promotion to Low-A Fredericksburg near the end of the season.
  
  Scouting Report: Lara has a smooth, classically beautiful delivery, clean arm action, a physical frame and the stuff to match. He gets good extension on a fastball that has made a recent velocity jump into the mid 90s. His breaking ball is a potential plus pitch down the line, and he flashes a changeup that also projects to be a usable pitch. Given his youth, it’s no surprise that Lara is still tapping into his strength, but at the same time, he is given high marks for preternaturally good feel to pitch and for being a leader by example.
  
  The Future: Lara may be seen as a long way away from the big leagues given his age, and that’s true from the standpoint that next season will be his first crack at a full-season league, but he possesses traits that suggest he could move through the system quickly. He has the upside to be a front-end starting pitcher if he continues to progress.
  
• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #6 prospect in 2021
  Fastball: 60. Slider: 60. Changeup: 50. Control: 50
  TRACK RECORD: Lara was the Nationals’ top signing in the 2019 international class and received a $1.25 million bonus. He was set to make his debut in 2020, but was delayed after the coronavirus pandemic canceled the minor league season. Lara spent the summer working out at the Nationals’ facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and impressed the strength and conditioning staff with his dedication in the weight room. He showed the same dedication in the classroom and completed the club’s Rosetta Stone language program.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Lara is a 6-foot-5 righthander who throws his 92-96 mph fastball downhill with little effort. He has a quick arm and still has room to get stronger and add more velocity to his fastball. His slider is developing and shows the potential to be a swing-and-miss pitch. He also shows a feel for a nascent sinking changeup. Lara has a big frame he will have to maintain, but he has generally been a solid-strike thrower to this point in his career.
  
  THE FUTURE: After experience in instructional leagues in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, Lara may jump straight to low Class A as an 18-year-old. He has the potential to be a solid starter and shows the aptitude to move quickly for his age.
• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #7 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Scouts German Robles and Juan Indriago quickly identified Lara as a priority target for the Nationals in the 2019 international signing class, and international director Johnny DiPuglia liked what he saw in the loose-limbed power pitcher as well. The Nationals signed him for $1.25 million on July 2. Lara focused on a throwing program and drills before starting a mound progression in mid-August. He pitched in instructional league and then for seven weeks at Dominican instructs.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: The 16-year-old Lara quickly won over club officials who saw him for the first time in Florida. His fastball was clocked at 92-95 mph. He has an advanced feel for pitching and repeats his delivery well for someone his age. He has a power curveball and can manipulate its depth and velocity. He has the makings of a changeup, and he throws all his pitches with a downhill angle. Lara has a strong and durable pitcher's frame. He's a confident young pitcher with a fluid delivery.
  
  THE FUTURE: It's easy to dream on Lara, who is slated to start his first pro season in extended spring training. He has a chance to pitch in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before the end of the season and has the ingredients to emerge as a breakout prospect.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Lara was the top player in the Nationals' 2019 international class and signed for a $1.25 million bonus. After spending 2020 at the organization's facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and struggling at instructional league, his 2021 debut was much more promising. In 2022, he was the youngest pitcher on Low-A Fredericksburg's roster. He struggled in the Carolina League, especially in July where he owned a 7.31 ERA.
  
  Scouting Report: Lara has a smooth delivery and an all-around athletic operation on the mound, but he needs to continue adding strength to his frame to sustain his mid-90s velocity throughout outings. His fastball sits around 94 mph and has touched 98, while both his secondaries need more refinement and consistency. Lara's slider was his go-to and best secondary in 2022. It's a low-80s slider that has slurve-like shape at times. An upper-80s changeup is his third offering, and he needs to develop more feel for it to become an average third pitch to fully round out his arsenal. It's a key focus of his offseason work. Lara is praised for his maturity and work ethic for his age, and he'll be in just his age-20 season during 2023.
  
  The Future: Lara's confidence and ability to make adjustments impressed the organization, despite some ugly outings. The Nationals consider the 2022 season a 'learning year' and hope he can find a better routine in 2023. If he can develop an average third pitch, he could move quickly.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 55 Changeup: 45. Control: 50
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Lara was the top player in the Nationals' 2019 international class and signed for a $1.25 million bonus. After spending 2020 at the organization's facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and struggling at instructional league, his 2021 debut was much more promising. In 2022, he was the youngest pitcher on Low-A Fredericksburg's roster. He struggled in the Carolina League, especially in July where he owned a 7.31 ERA.
  
  Scouting Report: Lara has a smooth delivery and an all-around athletic operation on the mound, but he needs to continue adding strength to his frame to sustain his mid-90s velocity throughout outings. His fastball sits around 94 mph and has touched 98, while both his secondaries need more refinement and consistency. Lara's slider was his go-to and best secondary in 2022. It's a low-80s slider that has slurve-like shape at times. An upper-80s changeup is his third offering, and he needs to develop more feel for it to become an average third pitch to fully round out his arsenal. It's a key focus of his offseason work. Lara is praised for his maturity and work ethic for his age, and he'll be in just his age-20 season during 2023.
  
  The Future: Lara's confidence and ability to make adjustments impressed the organization, despite some ugly outings. The Nationals consider the 2022 season a 'learning year' and hope he can find a better routine in 2023. If he can develop an average third pitch, he could move quickly.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 55 Changeup: 45. Control: 50
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/Extreme
  
  Track Record: Lara signed for $1.25 million as the top player in the Nationals&#39 2019 international class, meaning he had the misfortune of having his debut delayed due to the pandemic. After spending 2020 sequestered in a hotel and the team facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and then battling through struggles at instructional league late in the year, Lara finally debuted in the Florida Complex League in 2021, pitching well enough to earn a promotion to Low-A Fredericksburg near the end of the season.
  
  Scouting Report: Lara has a smooth, classically beautiful delivery, clean arm action, a physical frame and the stuff to match. He gets good extension on a fastball that has made a recent velocity jump into the mid 90s. His breaking ball is a potential plus pitch down the line, and he flashes a changeup that also projects to be a usable pitch. Given his youth, it&#39s no surprise that Lara is still tapping into his strength, but at the same time, he is given high marks for preternaturally good feel to pitch and for being a leader by example.
  
  The Future: Lara may be seen as a long way away from the big leagues given his age, and that&#39s true from the standpoint that next season will be his first crack at a full-season league, but he possesses traits that suggest he could move through the system quickly. He has the upside to be a front-end starting pitcher if he continues to progress.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Lara signed for $1.25 million as the top player in the Nationals’ 2019 international class, meaning he had the misfortune of having his debut delayed due to the pandemic. After spending 2020 sequestered in a hotel and the team facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and then battling through struggles at instructional league late in the year, Lara finally debuted in the Florida Complex League in 2021, pitching well enough to earn a promotion to Low-A Fredericksburg near the end of the season.
  
  Scouting Report: Lara has a smooth, classically beautiful delivery, clean arm action, a physical frame and the stuff to match. He gets good extension on a fastball that has made a recent velocity jump into the mid 90s. His breaking ball is a potential plus pitch down the line, and he flashes a changeup that also projects to be a usable pitch. Given his youth, it’s no surprise that Lara is still tapping into his strength, but at the same time, he is given high marks for preternaturally good feel to pitch and for being a leader by example.
  
  The Future: Lara may be seen as a long way away from the big leagues given his age, and that’s true from the standpoint that next season will be his first crack at a full-season league, but he possesses traits that suggest he could move through the system quickly. He has the upside to be a front-end starting pitcher if he continues to progress.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 60. Slider: 60. Changeup: 50. Control: 50
  TRACK RECORD: Lara was the Nationals' top signing in the 2019 international class and received a $1.25 million bonus. He was set to make his debut in 2020, but was delayed after the coronavirus pandemic canceled the minor league season. Lara spent the summer working out at the Nationals' facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and impressed the strength and conditioning staff with his dedication in the weight room. He showed the same dedication in the classroom and completed the club's Rosetta Stone language program.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Lara is a 6-foot-5 righthander who throws his 92-96 mph fastball downhill with little effort. He has a quick arm and still has room to get stronger and add more velocity to his fastball. His slider is developing and shows the potential to be a swing-and-miss pitch. He also shows a feel for a nascent sinking changeup. Lara has a big frame he will have to maintain, but he has generally been a solid-strike thrower to this point in his career.
  
  THE FUTURE: After experience in instructional leagues in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, Lara may jump straight to low Class A as an 18-year-old. He has the potential to be a solid starter and shows the aptitude to move quickly for his age.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 60. Slider: 60. Changeup: 50. Control: 50
  TRACK RECORD: Lara was the Nationals’ top signing in the 2019 international class and received a $1.25 million bonus. He was set to make his debut in 2020, but was delayed after the coronavirus pandemic canceled the minor league season. Lara spent the summer working out at the Nationals’ facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and impressed the strength and conditioning staff with his dedication in the weight room. He showed the same dedication in the classroom and completed the club’s Rosetta Stone language program.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Lara is a 6-foot-5 righthander who throws his 92-96 mph fastball downhill with little effort. He has a quick arm and still has room to get stronger and add more velocity to his fastball. His slider is developing and shows the potential to be a swing-and-miss pitch. He also shows a feel for a nascent sinking changeup. Lara has a big frame he will have to maintain, but he has generally been a solid-strike thrower to this point in his career.
  
  THE FUTURE: After experience in instructional leagues in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, Lara may jump straight to low Class A as an 18-year-old. He has the potential to be a solid starter and shows the aptitude to move quickly for his age.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 60. Slider: 60. Changeup: 50. Control: 50
  TRACK RECORD: Lara was the Nationals’ top signing in the 2019 international class and received a $1.25 million bonus. He was set to make his debut in 2020, but was delayed after the coronavirus pandemic canceled the minor league season. Lara spent the summer working out at the Nationals’ facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., and impressed the strength and conditioning staff with his dedication in the weight room. He showed the same dedication in the classroom and completed the club’s Rosetta Stone language program.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Lara is a 6-foot-5 righthander who throws his 92-96 mph fastball downhill with little effort. He has a quick arm and still has room to get stronger and add more velocity to his fastball. His slider is developing and shows the potential to be a swing-and-miss pitch. He also shows a feel for a nascent sinking changeup. Lara has a big frame he will have to maintain, but he has generally been a solid-strike thrower to this point in his career.
  
  THE FUTURE: After experience in instructional leagues in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, Lara may jump straight to low Class A as an 18-year-old. He has the potential to be a solid starter and shows the aptitude to move quickly for his age.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Scouts German Robles and Juan Indriago quickly identified Lara as a priority target for the Nationals in the 2019 international signing class, and international director Johnny DiPuglia liked what he saw in the loose-limbed power pitcher as well. The Nationals signed him for $1.25 million on July 2. Lara focused on a throwing program and drills before starting a mound progression in mid-August. He pitched in instructional league and then for seven weeks at Dominican instructs.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: The 16-year-old Lara quickly won over club officials who saw him for the first time in Florida. His fastball was clocked at 92-95 mph. He has an advanced feel for pitching and repeats his delivery well for someone his age. He has a power curveball and can manipulate its depth and velocity. He has the makings of a changeup, and he throws all his pitches with a downhill angle. Lara has a strong and durable pitcher's frame. He's a confident young pitcher with a fluid delivery.
  
  THE FUTURE: It's easy to dream on Lara, who is slated to start his first pro season in extended spring training. He has a chance to pitch in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before the end of the season and has the ingredients to emerge as a breakout prospect.