The Washington Nationals have often been at the top of the pecking order when choosing amateur players in the MLB Draft. On Monday, that was not the case, as the Nats didn’t have a selection in either the first round nor the “Competitive Balance Round A”.
In fact, their first pick came at No. 58 overall, which they used to select LSU junior centerfielder Andrew Stevenson. Then, at No. 69 overall, the Nationals selected Arizona high school outfielder Blake Perkins.
Stevenson, 21, bats and throws left, and is 6’0″, 185. He hit .356/407/458 in 59 games for LSU this season with 26 steals in 236 plate appearances. He’s led LSU in hitting the past two seasons. Stevenson is considered a plus defender but his arm is questionable.
Perkins, who bats and throws right, is 6’1″, 165 and considered by many to be the best athlete of Arizona high school players eligible for the draft. Perkins has committed to Arizona State. According to his Max Preps profile, Perkins hit .461 in 29 games for Verrado High School in Buckeye, AZ this year with seven home runs, 35 RBIs and 19 SBs.
Both player’s best tool appears to be their speed.