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WASH: Nationals could have drafted Josh Bell in 2011

By James Simmons

Washington Nationals 2011 Draft picks Alex Meyer #17, Anthony Rendon #23 and Brian Goodwin #24 are introduced to the media at Nationals Park on August 23, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Washington Nationals 2011 Draft picks Alex Meyer #17, Anthony Rendon #23 and Brian Goodwin #24 are introduced to the media at Nationals Park on August 23, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Rendon was a great draft pick by the Washington Nationals.
Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals looks on during batting practice prior to Game Seven of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Anthony Rendon

The Nationals had the sixth pick of the 2011 draft as they were coming off a 69-93 season where they finished dead last in the National League East, in 2010.

Anthony Rendon was viewed by many as potentially the top pick in the draft, though a history of injuries scared off a few teams. A fractured ankle in 2010 and a muscle strain in his back, which forced the third baseman to move to designated hitter most of his last collegiate year, were red flags for some. The fact Rendon walked twice as often as he struck out (80/33) and had an OPS of 1.043, made him ver attractive to the Nationals.

Rendon was drafted in 2011, debuted in 2013, and led the league in runs in 2014.

Who remembers Anthony Rendon as a second baseman? He made 165 starts there before Ryan Zimmerman moved across the diamond, freeing up Rendon to play third base.

During his seven year career with the Nationals, Rendon was a constant source of power while getting on base at an impressive clip.

In 2019, Rendon hit .319 with 34 long balls and a league best 126 runs driven in. After the Nats won the World Series he signed a 7 YR/$245M deal with the Los Angeles Angels.

Tony Two Bags was the right pick at number six.

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