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Washington Nationals: Top 10 first-round picks of all-time

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON - AUGUST 21: Stephen Strasburg (L), the overall first pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, is presented with his jersey by Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (R) after being introduced at Nationals Park August 21, 2009 in Washington, DC. Strasburg, a right handed pitcher from San Diego State University, signed with the Nationals earlier this week wth a record contract for an amateur player. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - AUGUST 21: Stephen Strasburg (L), the overall first pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, is presented with his jersey by Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (R) after being introduced at Nationals Park August 21, 2009 in Washington, DC. Strasburg, a right handed pitcher from San Diego State University, signed with the Nationals earlier this week wth a record contract for an amateur player. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) /
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player. 90. 2010. Pick Analysis. BryceHarper. 2. OF. Southern Nevada

The second of the back-to-back first overall picks the Washington Nationals had, Bryce Harper‘s presence has been nothing short of legendary. Ever since his call-up to the big league club in 2012, the Nationals have been a permanent contender in the NL East.

In 2012 he won rookie of the year, hitting .270 with 22 home runs and scoring 98 runs on one of the league’s best offenses. He’s also been a five-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger too. But those weren’t the last piece of hardware he’d win with the Nationals.

Harper has a season for the ages in 2015. He hit .330 with 42 long balls, scoring 118 runs, driving in 98 and had an incredible 1.109 OPS. This led to the first unanimous NL MVP since Albert Pujols in 2009.

He performances throughout his seven seasons in the nation’s capital have made him the face of the franchise this decade. He’s been able to carry this team at times and has lived up to sky-high expectations that were set when he was drafted.

Harper has always had a flair for the dramatic, hitting five walk-off home runs in his career. But possibly his most memorable home run came in the 2017 post-season.

We recently ranked this home run (along with Ryan Zimmerman‘s go-ahead shot) third in the all-time top 10 moments at Nats Park. It truly was a moment that made the hairs stand up Nats’ fans necks.

No matter what happens in the 2018 off-season, whether Harper stays or goes, he’s left a lasting impression on this team. He’ll forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever wear a curly W.

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