Jordy Barley brings speed to Washington Nationals’ system...

WASHINGTON – The Nationals loaded up on pitchers and catchers in the late July trades with several teams, with a focus on re-stocking the farm system.

But Washington also landed a dynamic infielder who has already made an impression with his new organization.

Jordy Barley, 21, and signed by San Diego out of the Dominican Republic for $1M back in 2015, was named the baserunner of the year in Washington’s system even though he played in just 33 games with low Single-A Fredericksburg this past season.

He was part of the deal with San Diego that sent veteran reliever Daniel Hudson, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia and a former standout at Old Dominion University, to the Padres.

“He has an exciting skill set with aggressive instincts,” Mark Scialabba, the assistant general manager, player development with Washington, told Federal Baseball on Tuesday of Barley.

“We are really thrilled to have him in the organization and work with him and realize those tools in all facets.”

Barley played mostly shortstop at Fredericksburg but also saw time at second base.

“He covers a lot of ground,” Scialabba said. “He has very good body control and a plus arm. He has all of the ability to play short. He has very quick feet. This kid has the tools to play there every day.”

Barley was 33 of 39 in steal attempts with Single-A Lexington in the San Diego system in 2021.

After the trade with the Padres, he played in 33 games with the Virginia farm team and was 12 for 17 in stolen base attempts.

Overall this past year, he hit .228 with 10 homers in 94 games over 364 at-bats.

He will have to trim his strikeouts, as he whiffed 125 times with 48 walks with the two Single-A teams in 2021.

Barley began his pro career in the San Diego system in 2017. He turns 22 in December.