​With the draft just days away, most of the spotlight has rightly fallen on the Nationals’ first-round pick at 11th overall. Yet I want to shine a light on a few names that could fit for the Nats with their second-round choice at 42nd overall, or perhaps even their third-rounder at 78. Given that pitching stands as the organization’s biggest need, I’m breaking down three college arms worth considering.
Even though the Nationals desperately need pitching, much of the chatter surrounding the 11th pick has centered on hitters. Infielders Ace Reese and Chris Hacopian have been connected to them, along with high school two-way standout Jared Grindlinger, who appears to be viewed more as a hitter. I don’t oppose the idea of a bat in the first round, but if that route is chosen, Paul Toboni and the rest of the staff will need to pivot toward pitching deeper in the draft.
Pitching is the Nationals’ principal organizational need, and the emphasis should be on pitchers who could move quickly toward the majors. That’s why exploring college arms with their second and/or third-round selections makes sense. While Toboni spent time with the Red Sox, that organization’s track record includes success developing college arms after the first round. Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, and Anthony Eyanson stand as solid examples of that approach. With that framework in mind, here are the pitchers to watch.
First is Jack Radel from Notre Dame. Radel is a physically imposing right-hander at 6’5” and 250 pounds, and he’s projected to go somewhere in the 35 to 45 range. A durable workhorse for the Fighting Irish, he has improved every season over the last three years. Radel attacks hitters with a five-pitch mix, headlined by a mid-90s fastball that plays up because of elite extension. He seems like an excellent fit for an organization seeking high-floor pitching that can ascend to the big leagues relatively quickly. The big, sturdy right-hander appears capable of serving as a back-end of the rotation option who can log a heavy innings load, potentially 170 innings or more. While his secondary offerings aren’t all world-class, he possesses a diverse arsenal. In a scouting landscape where depth and durability matter, a pitcher like Radel could prove especially valuable, as recent examples show that a broad set of offerings and the ability to command the zone can carry a pitcher a long way.
The other two arms offer higher ceilings and more tantalizing developmental potential, albeit with less immediate floor than Radel. One of them is Ethan Kleinschmit from Oregon State, a profile that invites excitement even as he sits lower in the rankings. Among the trio, Kleinschmit is typically viewed as the less certain bet and could slip to the third round. MLB Pipeline pegs him at 69th, while Baseball America places him at 78th. Still, sharp evaluators—like Lance Brozdowski—really like Kleinschmit, particularly if his velocity takes a step forward. The current drawback is velocity; his heater sits around 92 mph, which is a touch light for a left-handed pitcher with upside. If he can unlock a tick or two, his ceiling could rise substantially.
The overarching takeaway is that the Nats should cast a wide net with their second- and third-round picks, prioritizing college arms who can deliver a quicker path to the majors while also offering additional upside. Radel provides a solid floor and a potential for quick impact, while Kleinschmit offers a higher ceiling if velocity trends improve. If the club chooses a hitter in the first round, they should pivot to pitching depth early in the middle rounds, ensuring the pipeline remains stocked with arms that can contribute sooner rather than later.