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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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Washington Nationals Carter Kieboom
Washington Nationals Carter Kieboom /

SS/3B. CarterKieboom. player. 2016. Walton High School. 10. 90. Pick Analysis

Given the Washington Nationals have only had 17 first round picks actually sign with them, we don’t have to look too far back for number 10. Carter Kieboom, brother of Spencer Kieboom also in the Nats system, was the first-round pick in 2016.

The younger Kieboom is off to a nice start in the Nats organization, making it to the Potomac Nationals in 2018. He also took part in his first big league spring training at the start of 2018 too. That’s the type of experience that could reap rewards very quickly if he comes back next season.

We’ve seen in the past that younger players come to major league spring training and immediately start absorbing knowledge from other players. Erick Fedde was invited to spring training in 2017 and was able to get from Double-A Harrisburg to the show that same season.

In 2017 he showed great potential in the lower levels of the minor leagues, sporting an impressive .297 batting average, with a .396 OBP and 9 home runs.

Drafted out of high school, the power will naturally come as he gets older and projects to hit at least 15-20 homers a year. And with his evident ability to hit for a good average, he’ll be able to make a push up the list once he gets to the majors.

Kieboom is one of just two first-round picks made by Mike Rizzo that has yet to play in the major leagues, along with Seth Romero. However, he’s well on his way to keeping Rizzo’s spotless record going on his current trajectory.

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