Power-Armed Travis Sykora Of Nationals Is Driven To Succeed
Texas high school righthander Travis Sykora waited longer than he expected to hear his name called in the 2023 draft and then again to make his minor league debut this year.
But once the 20-year-old joined Low-A Fredericksburg, he didn’t waste any time showing that he more than belonged.
After throwing six perfect innings to start the first nine-inning no-hitter in the four-year history of the FredNats, the 6-foot-6 righthander boasted a 2.42 ERA to go with 96 strikeouts and 21 walks through 63.1 innings.
It was the type of success he envisioned as he bided his time in extended spring training until his May 1 pro debut.
“I don’t know why I had to stay so long in extended, but that is how it’s done for most high school arms, so I still had to prove myself,” Sykora said. “It being my first year, I wanted to get out of the (Florida) complex as quickly as possible.
“I was a little disappointed, but it gave me an extra four weeks to master as much as I could.”
Sykora is a Round Rock High product and third-round pick who signed for an over-slot $2.6 million. His favorite all-time athlete is Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, whom he met earlier this year.
“When I was in high school, I started looking at his mechanics and how he took care of himself,” Sykora said.
Like Ryan, Sykora pitches with a high leg kick. His fastball regularly reaches 95-96 mph and touches 99, even from the stretch. He has an 82-86 mph slider, and one of his goals is to become more consistent with his mid-80s splitter.
Sykora said he is “obsessed” with training and working out. He’s similarly prepared mentally. He has kept a binder of his daily regimen for more than three years.
“I thought that binder would help out with the draft, too, as I talked to all the teams,” Sykora said. “I’m still super motivated about not (being drafted) on day one. I want to show the Nationals they weren’t stupid for taking me.”
CAPITAL GAINS
— Righthander Tyler Stuart, acquired from the Mets for outfielder Jesse Winker at the trade deadline, struck out nine over six scoreless innings in his first start at Double-A Harrisburg. The 6-foot-9 Stuart was a sixth-round pick in 2022 out of Southern Mississippi. He features a mid-90s tailing fastball and an effective low-80s slider.
— Overall, four Nationals trades netted six prospects and a 2025 supplemental first-round draft pick. Lefthander Alex Clemmey, acquired from the Guardians in the Lane Thomas deal, and third baseman Cayden Wallace, part of the return—along with the draft pick—from the Royals for Hunter Harvey, joined the organization’s Top 10 Prospects list.
