Nationals Make Picks in MLB Draft: Exciting Highlights and Selections

The Washington Nationals continued their participation in the 2024 MLB Draft with Rounds 3 - 10 on a busy and exciting day after making three picks in the first two rounds . The team selected Shortstop Seaver King out of Wake Forest at No . 10 overall , catcher Caleb Lomavita out of Cal at No . 39 overall , and shortstop Luke Dickerson from Morris Knolls ( N.J. ) High School at No . 44 overall . The Nationals ' new assistant director and national crosschecker of amateur scouting , Reed Dunn , expressed his satisfaction with the three players they picked , emphasizing the importance of not only getting good players but good people as well.

The search for more talented players continued as the Nationals prepared to make eight more picks , starting with No . 79 overall in the third round . The draft lottery rules prevented them from picking in the top 10 in the first round , but subsequent rounds followed the traditional order of worst - to - first . The Nationals were set to pick fifth in each round for the remainder of the Draft.

In the third round , the Nationals selected catcher Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech , ranked as the 55th prospect in this year 's draft by MLB Pipeline . Bazzell showcased impressive stats with a .306/.401/.473 slash line , 13 doubles , six home runs , and 32 RBIs this season . His scouting report highlighted his ability to barrel balls with a controlled right - handed stroke and disciplined , all - fields approach . At 6 - foot-1 and 205 pounds , Bazzell was considered an underrated athlete with the versatility to play in various positions.

Moving forward , the Nationals picked left - hander Jackson Kent from the University of Arizona with their fourth - round selection at No . 108 overall . Kent , a two - sport standout in high school , transitioned from being a reliever to a successful starter in college , showcasing his pitching skills with a 4.08 ERA , 1.279 WHIP , 89 strikeouts , and 27 walks in 15 starts with Arizona . His arsenal included a fastball touching 95 mph , a 55 - grade changeup , and additional secondary pitches like a slider and curveball.

With the fifth - round pick at No . 141 overall , the Nationals selected shortstop Randal Diaz from Indiana State University . Diaz impressed with a .360/.437/.632 slash line , 55 runs scored , 15 doubles , 18 homers , and 55 RBIs this season . Although not ranked in MLB Pipeline 's top 250 draft prospects , Diaz 's versatility in playing multiple infield positions and consistent hitting streaks made him an attractive choice for the Nationals.