Nationals Select First in 2025 MLB Draft; How Last 10 No. 1 Picks Have Fared

Major League Baseball: Nationals Select First in 2025 MLB Draft; How Last 10 No. 1 Picks Have Fared

The Washington Nationals, currently enduring their sixth consecutive losing season since claiming victory in the 2019 World Series, hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday evening. Following the recent dismissal of general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, it remains uncertain who the Nationals will choose with their top selection. Will they opt for infielder Ethan Holliday, the youngest son of former MLB star Matt Holliday? Or could LSU left-hander and national champion Kade Anderson hear his name called?

Regardless, drafting is an unpredictable endeavor, intensified by the introduction of the MLB Draft Lottery in 2022. With 20 rounds in the draft, players sometimes get traded before even stepping onto the major league stage. Here’s a look at how each of the last 10 No. 1 picks has performed.

IF Travis Bazzana, Cleveland Guardians (2024)

Travis Bazzana has not yet made his mark in the big leagues. Bazzana showcased his power and speed while playing multiple positions at Oregon State, but he has primarily settled into the second base role within Cleveland’s minor league system. To date, he has risen to the Double-A Akron affiliate but remains without a major league appearance.

RHP Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates (2023)

Paul Skenes has been phenomenal, making his MLB debut just 10 months after being drafted from LSU. The hard-throwing right-hander quickly established himself as an elite force on the mound. He has consistently pitched deep into games, limited runners on base at an impressive rate, and recorded high strikeouts with a diverse pitching repertoire, mainly relying on his four-seamer, split-fingered fastball, and sweeper. Skenes was the starter for the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, boasting a career 1.98 ERA, 0 phdream online casino no deposit bonus.94 WHIP, and 301 strikeouts over his first 43 MLB starts (254 innings pitched).

IF Jackson Holliday, Baltimore Orioles (2022)

Jackson Holliday, the older son of seven-time All-Star and World Series champion Matt Holliday, made his MLB debut in 2024 with hopes set high but faced struggles with a .189 batting average. In his first full MLB season in 2025, he has shown some power from the left side while establishing himself as Baltimore’s everyday second baseman.

C Henry Davis, Pittsburgh Pirates (2021)

Henry Davis is another unique case, having become part of the first battery of former No. 1 picks to start a game together earlier this season. He reached the big leagues in 2023 but has fluctuated between the MLB roster and the minors, accumulating a total of 146 games played. In his 44 games behind the plate this season, Davis tallied 1 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and has an impressive career .529 slugging percentage during his minor league tenure.

IF Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (2020)

Spencer Torkelson was called up to the Tigers during the 2022 season, leading to a roller-coaster experience thus far. jili slot free bonus no deposit Initially drafted as a third baseman, he has primarily played first base in the majors. The powerful right-handed hitter belted 31 home runs in 2023 and is on track to match that output in the current season. Torkelson, an Arizona State alum, is a key figure in a Tigers lineup that boasts the best record in MLB this season with a 59-37 tally free 100 online casino games.

C Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2019)

Adley Rutschman, yet another Oregon State standout picked with the No. 1 selection, hit the ground running with the Orioles in 2022. He quickly became one of the team’s stars, showcasing considerable power and versatility on the basepaths. Rutschman has solidified his status as one of the best all-around catchers in the league over his three-plus years, earning two All-Star nods and a Silver Slugger Award in 2023 while averaging 20 home runs and 80 RBIs per season from 2023 to 2024.

RHP Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers (2018)

Casey Mize’s career has also been a journey of ups and downs; however, he has shown improvement recently. After having a respectable 2021 season with a 3.71 ERA over 30 starts, Mize faced challenges caused by elbow surgery in 2022, missing the entirety of that year and the next. Yet, in 2024, he excelled with 22 appearances, now establishing himself at an All-Star level in 2025, recording a 3.15 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 88.2 innings.

IF Royce Lewis, Minnesota Twins (2017)

Royce Lewis’s career has been hindered by injuries, impacting his playing time to just 181 games over the past three seasons. Since his arrival in 2022, Lewis has demonstrated both power and efficiency on the field 136 phdream login app. When healthy, he has averaged 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .493 slugging percentage across 70 games from 2023 to 2024. Notably, he hit four home runs during the 2023 postseason.

OF Mickey Moniak, Philadelphia Phillies (2016)

Mickey Moniak’s MLB journey has been marked by various twists and turns. Having received limited playing time with the Phillies from 2020-2022, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels and only emerged as a full-time starter in 2023. During that season, he achieved 14 home runs and a .495 slugging percentage over 85 games. After a challenging 2024, Moniak signed with the Colorado Rockies and is currently enjoying a breakout year, having hit 13 home runs and recording 32 RBIs across 78 games.

IF Dansby Swanson, Arizona Diamondbacks (2015)

Dansby Swanson, initially drafted first overall by the Diamondbacks, was traded to the Atlanta Braves six months later, contributing significantly to the Braves’ success, including their 2021 World Series win. Becoming one of the best shortstops in the league, Swanson averaged 26 home runs and 92 RBIs per season during 2021-2022 and earned a Gold Glove and an All-Star selection before moving to the Chicago Cubs following the 2022 season.

What are your thoughts on the performance of these No. 1 picks throughout their careers?