Nationals history of No. 1 picks: How Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg are proof Washington can win atop the MLB Draft

The Washington Nationals will make the third No. 1 overall pick in their franchise's history on Sunday night to begin the MLB Draft.

Their predecessor in franchise history, the Montreal Expos, never picked first. And the Nats' pair of No. 1 picks came in back-to-back years, 2009 and 2010.

Both of those worked out quite well. They brought Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper to town.

If this third 1.1 selection pans out as well as those did, it'll be a huge win for the Nationals.

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Nationals history of No. 1 picks

There's one big difference between Strasburg, Harper and the 2025 MLB Draft.

Strasburg and Harper were no-doubt-about-it, generational prospects.

This year's draft doesn't have that.

Strasburg was already one of the best pitchers on the planet while still at San Diego State. Anyone would've taken him first overall.

Harper left high school early to play a junior college season to be eligible for the draft ahead of schedule. Everyone knew he'd be one of the best hitters of his era, and it's worked out that way.

This year's draft doesn't feel that straightforward.

There are three talented college pitchers atop the board, with most mocks projecting LSU's Kade Anderson to go to the Nationals.

There's also uber-impressive high school shortstop Ethan Holliday, the son of MLB great Matt and brother of Orioles second baseman Jackson. Ethan might have the most ability of anyone in the draft, but there seems to be a consensus that the Nationals will go with an experienced college player rather than Holliday.

Regardless, the selection will have a lot to live up to.

Strasburg and Harper are two of the greatest Nationals ever. Can this No. 1 pick earn that title, too?

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