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The Washington Nationals have been one of the most fun teams to watch this season. They have blown past their limited expectations, holding a 41-40 record, going into Thursday's games.
While the record is not bad, it's not what makes this team fun to watch. That would be their high-powered offense, one that is leading all of baseball with 433 runs scored, 10 more than the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But while fans are happy with how things are going right now, the front office is thinking about the future. They were awarded the No. 11 pick in this year's draft.
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Mock draft projects Nationals landing an infielder who could debut in 2027
Last year, the Nationals had the first overall pick, taking high school shortstop Eli Willits. The year before that, they took another shortstop, this time being Wake Forest's Seaver King.
They haven't taken a pitcher since 2020, and that trend is looking likely to continue as Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicts they will draft Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian.
"The Nationals have often been an organization willing to roll the dice on upside, and they've been tied to Alabama shortstop Justin Lebrom as a result, though there's no telling if that philosophy will carry over to the new-look front office. Hacopian represents a significantly higher floor thanks to his elite bat-to-ball skills, and while his defensive profile is limited, he could be starting second base in the majors by 2027."
Hacopian has one of the best bats in the class, and his knowledge of the strike zone is elite. He has a right-handed swing that produces hard contact, and he's one batter who loves sitting on fastballs.
He could be someone who rises fast through the minors, and Reuter suggests he could even make his MLB debut as early as next season.
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