The Washington Nationals are at a crossroads in their rebuilding efforts, owning the No. 1 overall pick in Sunday’s MLB amateur draft. The team’s front office upheaval, including the recent firings of general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, has injected uncertainty into the process.
Interim General Manager Mike DeBartolo will oversee the draft, leaning on scouting department evaluations while bringing his own opinions to the table. With a $19 million bonus pool and $5.3 million available for the Yankees, teams must navigate the financial aspect of the draft.
Top prospects include college left-handed pitchers Kade Anderson and Liam Doyle, Oregon State shortstop Aiva Arquette, and prep shortstops Ethan Holliday and Eli Willits. Anderson, who won the College World Series title with LSU, is considered one of the top prospects.
“We have to decide how to strategize with our bonus pool money,” DeBartolo said. “There are several really talented players that are going to be in the mix for us.”
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/holding-1-pick-nationals-front-office-upheaval-injects-123688036