The Washington Nationals have put together a lengthy period of sustained success, led by homegrown players. We take a look at the top ten homegrown players in team history.
The Washington Nationals have only been in existence since 2005, but they have won the National League East four times. General Manager Mike Rizzo has built a team destined for sustained success, and they have largely been led by homegrown players.
From drafting Ryan Zimmerman with their first draft pick after returning to DC in 2005, to drafting Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper first overall in back-to-back drafts, the Nats have had several high-profile draft picks.
That’s not to say that the Nats have not benefitted from free agent signings and trades. To name a few, Max Scherzer, Jayson Werth, Gio Gonzalez, and Alfonso Soriano have played enormous roles over the years.
However, the homegrown talent has led the way. Currently, 23 of the 40 players on the Nats’ 40-man roster have been drafted and developed by the team. In today’s game, when players routinely change teams, this is exceptional.
One of the best ways to set yourself up for sustained success is to draft and develop well. The Nats have done this as well as any other team, enabling them to win the second-most regular season games in the MLB since 2012.
Homegrown talent is obviously an integral aspect of sustained success, so without further ado, let’s take a look at the top ten homegrown players in team history.