"On Tuesday, the Washington Nationals announced their intention to protect prospects Jake Bennett, Christian Franklin, and Riley Cornelio from the Rule-5 Draft. This move by the Nats suggests the front office views these three players as future 40-man roster candidates. Each of these prospects could contribute at the Major League level, but they are at different stages of development. Jake Bennett is a left-handed pitcher from the University of Oklahoma."
"In 15 appearances, he recorded a 3.14 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 63 innings before Tommy John surgery ended his season. Bennett missed the 2024 season while recovering from the injury. He returned in 2025 and recorded a 2.27 ERA in 75.1 innings pitched. His WHIP was 1.08, and he walked just 19 batters. Bennett finished the season in AA Harrisburg for his final ten appearances of the season."
"Acquired at the trade deadline from the Chicago Cubs and now the Nats' 12th-ranked prospect, Christian Franklin is a unique talent in the outfield. Similar to previously mentioned Bennett, Franklin also missed a year of development due to injury. In 2022, Franklin suffered a torn patellar tendon, which kept him out that season. Franklin didn't skip a beat in his return from injury, posting a .828 OPS in 2023 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI."
Washington protected Jake Bennett, Christian Franklin, and Riley Cornelio from the Rule-5 Draft, positioning them as future 40-man roster candidates. Jake Bennett is a 6-foot-6 left-handed pitcher from the University of Oklahoma, a second-round 2022 pick who underwent Tommy John surgery after a strong 2023 debut. He missed 2024, returned in 2025 with a 2.27 ERA, 75.1 innings, 1.08 WHIP, and 19 walks before finishing in Double-A; he will likely attend Major League Spring Training but needs more minor-league buildup. Christian Franklin, acquired from the Cubs, missed 2022 with a torn patellar tendon and posted a .828 OPS in 2023 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI; his 2024 power dipped while on-base percentage rose.
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