The Washington Nationals are at a pivotal point in their rebuild to relevance, owning the No. 1 overall pick in Major League Baseball’s amateur draft that begins on Sunday night in Atlanta.
There are multiple intriguing prospects they can choose from, including prep shortstop Ethan Holliday, the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday and brother of Jackson Holliday, the No. 1 overall pick in 2022 and is now in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles.
Washington this week fired longtime general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez.
Bold choice.
The Nats’ head-scratching move — more for the timing than the actual decision — injected another layer of uncertainty to a draft that might be one of the most unpredictable in recent years. The first three rounds of the 20-round draft will take place on Sunday with the rest of the selections on Monday.