The Washington Nationals MLB Draft Strategy Was Different... Can It Work Is The Big Question

Under Mike Rizzo, the Nats have always taken swings on the biggest possible talent in the draft for above slot money. Well, with Brad Ciolek & Danny Haas in the organization, that has changed. Can the Nats successfully develop the talent similarly to the Orioles over the years? Ryan gives you the draft profiles for Seaver King, Caleb Lomavita, and Luke Dickerson. Then, the Nats made a big move sending RHP Hunter Harvey to the Royals for Cayden Wallace and pick #39 in last night's draft... Mike Rizzo needs to take a bow.
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 link.chtbl.com...
Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More
🎧 linktr.ee/Lock...
Follow on Twitter: / ryanclary11
Follow the show on Twitter: / lo_nationals
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
SupplyHouse
SupplyHouse.com is the reliable way to get parts fast. Shop for your next plumbing, h-vac, or electrical job and get fast shipping from coast to coast.
Booking.com
The right stay can make you a fan of any US city - even your rival’s. Book today on Booking.com on the site or in the Booking.com app! Booking.com, Booking dot YEAH!
PrizePicks
Go to prizepicks.one... and use code lockedonmlb for a first deposit match up to $100!
eBay Motors
From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.
FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
#Nationals #WashingtonNationals #MLB

[@rileykijek6544]

I can’t formulate an opinion on this draft yet because every time I think about it my brain short circuits. This goes against everything I ever knew about the Nationals drafting.

[@ronaldtillman173]

The biggest question remains for the Nats is player development. They generally select the highest ceiling talent, but they have not done well developing them especially high school talent. I don't have a problem with the first two picks because they are in theory closer to the show, but their ceilings are not as high as Dickerson. Based on their track record that was the best strategy because they need to get more talent at the Major League level as soon as possible.

[@Nadinetherescuehound]

This draft had the feeling of the people they wanted to pick were gone. Rizzo always drafts highest ceiling. None of these guys will be here 3 years from now. RIzzo treats players as stock. He drafts, SP and up the middle early. Always has been, because they're worth the most. It's not different it's always been the same.

[@kennyb5412]

First time on this podcast. Well done and thanks for the education.

[@Dr.8803]

Luke Dickerson is the only draft pick I like. Not a fan of this draft, especially with Tommy Tanks available.

[@lymedoc9620]

I have mixed feelings about this draft. Can we develop talent in the minors? If so, where’s the evidence? (Think Elijah Green)

[@Shawnkula11b]

Orioles only really developed 2-3 players and they were bad for 16 years losing 100 games they got more shots at the dart board with early picks

[@lymedoc9620]

@@Shawnkula11b Great point! Even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut!

[@stephenland9088]

I wanted Bryce Rainer. I guess they thought he would cost too much.

[@thej22sportsandsportsenter15]

The Nationals will never be able to draft like the O's. The O's literally have more draft picks per year, they get their non-competitive small market picks the Nationals aren't entitled to. The Nationals should not be employing this strategy. They should draft best player available, underslot with college players in rounds 5 and over like last year. And honestly, do you think the guys drafted in rounds 2,3, and 4 are remotely as good Sykora, Pickney, and Morales.