Washington Nationals: Every Day Two Draft Pick

Today is rounds 2-10 of the MLB Draft. The Nationals will look to keep the ball rolling, and add more talent to a barren farm system.

Last night, the Nationals got one of the biggest steals in the draft, when Brady House fell to them at 11. Many expected Mike Rizzo to draft another starter pitcher, but with House sitting there, the team couldn’t resist.

The Nationals have the worst farm system in baseball, but have a few intriguing pitching prospects with Cade Cavalli leading the way. However, the system is barren when it comes to position players. House will help change that.

House was just the beginning with six of the Nats nine day-two picks being position players. Rizzo shocked many and went against his previous track record, but the fanbase isn’t complaining. Instead many were ecstatic with Washington’s day two selections.

Here are all nine of Washington’s day two picks.

Second Round: Daylen Lile, OF, Trinity HS (KY)

Daylen Lile was regarded as one of the best pure high school hitters in the draft and Mike Rizzo snatched him up. After drafting a high school hitter in the first round, it was widely assumed he would follow it up by selecting a pitcher.

This was not the case, as Lile’s hit tools were too intriguing to pass up. The 18-year old possess impressive bat speed and projects to grow into power. It is assumed he will stay in left field due to his defensive limits.

Third Round: Branden Boissiere, OF/1B, Arizona

Branden Boissiere was an impressive hitter during his three years at the University of Arizona. This past season he hit an impressive .369, with five homers, 63 RBIs, and an OPS of .957.

While he lacks power, he has an advanced hit tool and can hit to all fields. He has an impressive eye at the plate, walking 38 times last year compared to 49 strikeouts.

Due to his lack of power, this was more of an under-slot pick so the Nationals could come to terms with their first two picks. A first baseman/outfielder, many believe he will become an average defender. Boissiere was also able to thrive against lefty pitchers.

Fourth Round: Dustin Saenz, LHP, Texas A&M

Dustin Sanez is known for his slider that has some of the best metrics in the draft. He also has a low 90’s fastball that tops out at 95 mph.

This past year, he finally joined the rotation going 6-6, with a 4.27 ERA, and 104 strikeouts. Some believe he will eventually end up as a long reliever due to his size (5’11, 190 pounds).

Fifth Round: Treylen “T.J.” White, 1B/OF Dorman HS (SC)

After drafting a position player with three of his first four picks, Mike Rizzo kept it coming by selecting TJ White. The first baseman/outfielder from Dorman high school is known for his pop.

Scouts aren’t positive where White will play defensively, but his pop will play well.

Sixth Round: Michael Kirian, LHP, Louisville

MLB Pipeline called Michael Kirian one of the best relievers in the draft. Kirian moved to the rotation this past year, but might be better off sticking in the bullpen.

During the 2019 season, he posted a 1.69 ERA in 32 innings out of the bullpen. He recorded five saves, while striking out 42, and only issued nine walks. During the shortened 2020 season, Kirian brought his game to the next level, not allowing a run in 6.1 innings out of the bullpen.

Seventh Round: Jacob Young, OF, Florida

Placed on Baseball America’s sleeper list, Jacob Young is a speedy outfielder from Florida.

Last season he hit .315, with five homers, 41 RBIs, and an OPS of .846. He is also a threat on the basepath, swiping 13 bags in 14 attempts.

Eighth Round: Will Frizzell, 1B, Texas A&M

The first baseman from Texas A&M, Will Frizzell was drafted for his bat.

Last season he was named First-Team All-SEC after he hit .343, with 19 homers, 50 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.137. He has impressive hit tools and has sneaky pop.

Ninth Round: Cole Quintanilla, RHP, Texas

Cole Quintanilla was a reliever while at Texas, posting solid numbers. In 40 innings this past season, he went 5-1, 2ith a 1.35 ERA, with 42 strikeouts while only walking 11.

He underwent Tommy John surgery while at college, but that has never scared the Nationals away before. They are well versed in helping players recover from TJ.

Tenth Round: Darren Baker, 2B, University of California-Berkeley

Washington’s last pick of day was used on Darren Baker, the son of Dusty Baker. Dusty was the Nats manager for two seasons, leading them to back-to-back NL East titles in 2016 and 2017.

Darren is a defensive second baseman, hitting .327, with 17 RBIs, and an OPS of .756. He is a speed threat, swiping 28 bases in 34 attempts.

This article will be updated as the draft goes on.