Washington Nationals: Top 10 homegrown players in team history

8. Drew Storen

The 2009 draft was a terrific one for the Nats, as they had two picks in the top ten. While their selection with the tenth pick did not pan out quite as well as the first, it was still a solid pick. With the tenth overall pick in the 2009 draft, the Nats selected Drew Storen.

Like Glover, Storen ascended through the minor leagues quickly, and reached the majors just a year after being drafted. As a rookie in 2010, Storen pitched to a 3.58 ERA in 54 games, and even recorded five saves.

Storen remained with the Nats through 2015, and pitched well the whole time, but lost his job as closer several times. After his ninth inning implosion in game five of the 2012 National League Division Series, the Nats signed Rafael Soriano to be the closer, despite Storen pitching to a 2.37 ERA in the regular season.

Then, Storen regained the closer’s role, but lost it to Jonathan Papelbon in 2015. Storen was having a phenomenal season, but the rest of the bullpen was struggling, leading to the Nats trading for Papelbon and demoting Storen to a setup role.

Overall, Storen was a solid reliever for the Nats, pitching to a 3.02 ERA and converting 95 saves in six seasons. However, he is largely remembered for blowing the save in game five of the 2012 NLDS. This is unfair to a pitcher who gave his all to the team despite not being treated very well.

Most fans will not agree, but Drew Storen is the eighth-best homegrown player in team history.