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District On Deck

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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Virginia. 1. player. 3B/1B. RyanZimmerman. 90. 2005. Pick Analysis

Depending on how the previous three in this list finish their careers, Ryan Zimmerman is far from a lock to stay atop the list. But at the time of writing this, he’s clearly at the top, by a distance for the Washington Nationals.

Zimmerman was the very first draft pick by the team after their move to the nation’s capital in June of 2005 out of Virginia. And had a rapid rise through the minor leagues, as he was a September call-up that same year.

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He’s gone on to be a National for 13 seasons, and had the chance to set several franchise records. Here are the records that he currently holds with the franchise:

  • All-time franchise leader in home runs
  • All-time franchise leader in RBIs
  • All-time franchise leader in doubles
  • All-time franchise leader in games started

He’s only five hits away from Tim Wallach‘s 1694 franchise leading number of hits too. He’s also just under 200 games away from Wallach’s games played record, so he may add to this list in the near future.

Ryan Zimmerman has also been at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in Nationals history too. Although the most recent was his go-ahead shot in game two of the 2017 NLDS, there’s one moment that stands out the most.

Obviously, it had to be Zimmerman who hit the walk-off home run in the first game at Nationals Park. It had to be. He was the face of the franchise during its first seven years before the new breed came along in Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.

Zimmerman has also been an integral part of the D.C. community since arriving in 2005 too. The ziMS foundation has hosted several events in the local area to help raise money for MS. It can’t be understated how much this, along with his sensational play on the field, has helped create a true legacy for Zimmerman in Washington.

Next. Top 10 Greatest Moments at Nats Park. dark

Hopefully, as the Washington Nationals’ history continues to grow, we’ll see more All-Stars and hall of fame players start to appear on this list. And we look forward to the 2018 first round selection.

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