One of the most interesting moves the Nats have made this season is when they bought Luis Perales of the Red Sox for Jake Bennett. It was a rare prospect trade prospect, with the Nats acquiring Perales, who has an electric arm. However, Jake Bennett was seen as the safer prospect.
Despite being considered the riskier player of the two, Luis Perales has a chance to become an impactful big leaguer in 2026. It’s no secret that the Nationals need bullpen help and if they choose to make Perales a reliever, he could be an impactful one. His frame, speed and inconsistent control make the bullpen a natural home.
So far in his professional career, Perales has developed as a starter. He has made 47 career appearances, including 43 starts. If he hits his ceiling, Perales has a chance to become number two. However, he could make a very quick impact if released into the bullpen.
His raw material is absolutely fascinating. Perales showed that his work was as dynamic as ever coming from Tommy John Surgery. In his first appearance back, he mowed down the Nats Triple-A lineup without even throwing a fastball. Yohandy Morales, Nick Schnell and Trey Lipscomb were quickly dismissed by Perales in his first appearance.
As you can see, Perales can dominate when he is playing. He didn’t even throw his fastball, which is probably his best pitch. The heating is in the upper 90s and routinely touches triple digits. In the AFL he drove 160 km/h twenty times. The command was erratic, but that is often the last thing that comes back in Tommy John recovery.
The numbers weren’t great for Perales in the AFL, but the flashes were still there. He can completely overwhelm guys who also have good contact skills. Sam Antonacci is a White Sox prospect known for his hitting skills. Perales mowed him down on three pitches when they faced off. That stuff can play at any level.
Another reason he could make an impact in 2026 has to do with numbers. Perales already has one place on the Nats 40-man roster. He also only has one, maybe two option years left. Due to his Tommy John Surgery, the Nats may be able to get an additional year of option.
Either way, the Nats don’t want to just waste 40 man spots. They are encouraged to use Perales in the big leagues as soon as he is ready. If he’s even close to the zone, he’ll be one of the Nats’ better relievers.
His stuff is just so dominant. The pitch numbers absolutely love Perales. His fastball has an elite combination of velocity and carry. That makes it a plus-plus pitch for stuff models. However, he doesn’t control it very well. Perales actually has a better feel for his cutter, which is also a nasty throw.
This profile just screams reliever, which is probably why the Red Sox traded him. Jake Bennett is a high-probability starter, even if he’s unlikely to be more than a 4-starter. Perales is a bit more of a mystery box. He could be an inconsistent middle reliever, he could be a closer, or he could be a starter.
One thing the Nats could do is use him in a bullpen role early while keeping the door open for a return to the rotation down the road. We’ve been seeing more bullpen-to-rotation conversions in recent years. Perales could be closer to the Nats for a while and then move into the rotation later.
His arm talent makes him a super exciting pickup for Paul Toboni and the Nats. Despite being quite raw, he can quickly find himself in the big leagues. Perales will turn 23 in April and has pitched in AAA. It might take a while for him to get used to it, but I think we’ll see Luis Perales in a Nats uniform sometime in 2026.
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