It’s become commonplace for the Washington Nationals to draft a pitcher when the MLB Draft rolls around each year.
Right-handed pitcher Cade Cavalli, last year’s first round pick, has soared through the minors in his first year, earning a promotion to Double-A Harrisburg. This season, between High-A and Double-A, Cavalli has logged 103 strikeouts in 62 innings.
Washington’s last five first round picks have been pitchers and the last position player drafted in the opening round was infielder Carter Kieboom in 2016.
It looks like the trend will continue this year, here’s who draft experts think the Nationals will select on Sunday night:
The Athletic and CBS Sports: Jackson Jobe - right-handed pitcher - Heritage Hall High School (Oklahoma)
Jobe, one of the top high school arms in this year’s draft, wasn’t just a pitcher growing up, he was a shortstop who could pitch.