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The Washington Nationals came into the 2026 season with few expectations. After a 96-loss season last year, they were expected to finish near the bottom again.
However, they have been on a tear this season. Going into Thursday's games, the team sits in third place in the National League East with its 35-34 record.
That's a great start, and while the fans are focused on the present, it's never too early to think about the future. They have a great opportunity to build toward the future by securing a good player with pick No. 11 in this year's draft.
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Nationals linked to high upside draft target despite injury concerns
This year's draft class offers a good mix of high school and college talent. There are game-changers to be drafted here; it's just a matter of finding them.
With the 11th pick, there's no telling how the board could play out. The Nationals need to come to the draft with a few options in mind, or they could be left scrambling late.
The Athletic's Keith Law took a stab at predicting the first-round picks, and in it, he has the Nationals selecting Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian.
"This link has come up a few times; Hacopian has a great swing and strong batted-ball data, although his lower back injury from earlier in the year worries me."
Hacopian is listed as an infielder with familiarity at second base, shortstop, and third base, but he could wind up in the outfield at the next level.
As Law mentioned, there is some concern about injury here. He missed a chunk of the season while dealing with lingering back issues. That could come into play later down the road, so the Nationals need to be sure he is past those back issues, or this could end up being a wasted first-round pick.
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