The wheels came off the 2015 Nationals in any number of ways, but a spring training knee injury for Rendon was the first indication that things would not go smoothly for the NL East favorites. A minor bump that was expected to be healed by Opening Day became a sprained MCL that kept him out of action for a month, and then an oblique strain suffered during his rehab assignment cost him another. He was never able to find his rhythm at the plate once he returned to the lineup. Rendon still has plenty of upside, and he could easily repeat or even improve upon his 2014 numbers, but the injury-prone label that accompanied him out of college is now firmly back in place. The Nats plan on returning him to third base this season, where he's more comfortable defensively, but considering he was originally hurt last March fielding a groundball at third, there's no guarantee the move will help him stay healthy.

Rendon's first full season in the majors was a resounding success. Not only did he begin to shake off the "injury-prone" label that had dogged him since college by playing in 153 games, he cranked out 21 home runs, swiped 17 bases on 20 attempts and slashed .287/.351/.473 while playing above-average defense at both second and third base and collecting a Silver Slugger Award at the latter position. Now established as one of the more exciting young players in baseball and a franchise cornerstone for the Nationals, the 24-year-old will likely settle in as the club's long-term solution at third base, with Ryan Zimmerman's ongoing shoulder issues forcing a move across the diamond. It's always possible, however, that the Nats could eventually acquire a third baseman and shift him back to the keystone. As ridiculous as it may seem, given Rendon's hit tool, plate discipline and developing power from the right side, Edgar Martinez comparisons aren't entirely out of line. The kid is legit.

As with Bryce Harper before him, the Nationals didn't require much convincing to find a regular spot for Rendon on the major league roster, but the results were far less impressive. He doesn't have Harper's upside (who does?) but at second base Rendon doesn't have to break any records to have fantasy value. That .319/.461/.603 Double-A line last year looks mighty fine, but he's more of a line drive machine than a middle-of-the-order monster and realistically the batting average is the only one of those numbers that might be sustainable in the majors.

After barely playing in his pro debut due to an ankle injury, Rendon tore apart the AFL and cleared up any confusion over who the best position prospect in the Nationals' system was. There is no clear room for him in the majors in the immediate future and for that matter there is still some question over whether his eventual defensive home will be third base, second base or somewhere else, so look for the team to give him a full season at Triple-A unless an injury opens up a spot for him in 2013.

Rendon was the Nationals' top draft choice in 2011 as the sixth pick overall. Coming into the draft he was at the top of many boards, but he fell because of concerns about his ankle and shoulder. Rendon is considered an above average defender at third base with a plus-arm when healthy. He has a terrific batting eye, leading the nation in walks at Rice, and he should be a good on-base threat and power hitter if he can stay healthy. Rendon could be in the majors by 2013 if he can fully recover from his injuries.