(Tim) Cate, 21, led qualified Nationals Minor League pitchers in strikeouts (139), starts (26) and ranked second in in ERA (3.07) and WHIP (1.14). He went 11-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 26 starts between Single-A Hagerstown and Single-A Potomac. Cate recorded 139 strikeouts, 32 walks and six home runs in 143.2 innings pitched in his third professional season.
He began the season with the Hagerstown Suns where he posted a 2.82 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 70.1 innings pitched across 13 starts. Cate earned the promotion to the Potomac Nationals on June 17 where he went 7-4 with a 3.31 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 13 starts. From July 27 to Aug. 26, he went 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA, 33 strikeouts, seven walks and two home runs allowed.
Cate was selected in the second round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Connecticut. He was signed by Nationals scout John Malzone.