While it was really something of a disappointment in the end to finish with the worst record in the majors and not automatically get the top overall pick in the draft, this was the first season with a draft lottery.
The Nationals, who finished 55-107, and the second and third-worst teams had a 16.7% chance at the No. 1 overall pick, with the non-playoff teams from last year in the mix and the top six determined in the lottery.
Mike Rizzo and Co. in Washington’s front office ended up with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, which — it’s not No.