What a time it was to be a Nats fan on draft night. With new leadership at the helm, it was time to make a decision that will impact the future of this organization in a major way. With the Nats having already a strong core of young players it was time to add to that with them having the number 1 pick in the draft for the third time in franchise history. Before I give my thoughts on this choice, let's take a look at the other two first overall picks the Nats have chosen.
2009: Stephen Strasburg
Starting off with 2009, the phenom Stephen Strasburg was the number was pick in the draft. With him being the number 2 overall prospect and number one pitcher it was a fairly easy decision at the time. Not to mention his electric pallet of pitches he was working with including a devastating slider and a 3 digit fastball.
While it was an easy decision at the time, sometimes the easy decisions don't pan out. Fortunately for the Nationals, this was NOT one of those times. Strasburg had a hall of fame worthy career despite battling injuries and led the Nats to their first World Series title and was the MVP.
Rating: A+
2010: Bryce Harper
Next up we have the charismatic enigma that is Bryce Harper in the very next year's 2010 draft. Harper was a sawed after talent who was being talked about as someone who could potentially be one of the best players ever to play the game. With his unique combination of power speed and patience at the plate coming from the catcher position, Harper was immensely valuable. He was also the number 1 ranked prospect so it only made sense to take him number one.
Thankfully, this decision also panned out for the Nats. As mentioned in the 15 year anniversary article, Harper brought life to this franchise. Just a few years removed from being the Expos, the Nats needed an identity and Harper provided just that, along with an MVP to match.
Rating: A+
2025: Eli Willits
Lastly we have this year's draft. With a new regime came new decisions and the Nats chose a different route than usual. The didn't go with the consensus number one guy or the elite pitcher with crazy stuff who may be league ready. Instead, they took an 18 year old project who, while having a high ceiling, also brings a lot of risk out of any other of the top 10 picks.
That pick would be high schooler Eli WIllits out of Oklahoma. He will most likely stick at shortstop and will be playing in the minors with the hope that one day he will work his way up to be like those other number 1 picks the Nats have taken in the past.
Rating: TBD
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