I believe the age 25 thing is the reservation most analysts have - late developing (drafted in 2007) after a PED bust in 2010.
Not sure about where the 27% K rate comes from - it's at 17% this year after being 23-24% in previous years. 16-24% is a decent range for a hitter with some power. Stanton and others that are truly power hitters are often higher.
Souza has been listed by Fangraphs as one of the 5 most compelling fringe prospects - that about says it all. He's a suddenly-blossoming fringe prospect that the Nats think they can get some value out of in the form of a top MIF prospect in case they can't re-sign Ian Desmond. They don't need OFs, but find themselves short of near-ready IFs.
I think the Nats would be happy to trade Souza for Nick, but so far, JackZ has been trying to package Nick to get more. Totally understandable. But if Souza could be had for Noriega + or Marte + and if, as reported, the Nats are worried about bullpen depth, I think there's another possible deal there.
EDIT TO ADD: It has now been announced that Ryan Zimmerman has a grade 3 hamstring strain - nearly a complete tear. The Nats are stepping up pursuit of a ready or nearly-ready MIF who can play 2nd or 3rd so that Rendon can play the other - and they'd still like one who can play SS as well. Sounds like Noriega to me!
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