​The Washington Nationals began their 2026 MLB Draft with a local product, selecting Chris Hacopian, a Churchill High School graduate, with the 11th overall pick. Hacopian, an infielder, starred for two seasons at Maryland before becoming a pivotal transfer portal addition for Texas A&M in 2026, and now he strengthens Washington’s infield future. On day one of the draft, the Nationals also picked up three additional talents, as we break down the selections.
Second round, 42nd overall: Chase Brunson, OF, TCU. The Nationals added another productive bat by taking TCU outfielder Chase Brunson. Brunson earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 and honorable mention in 2026, hitting over .300 in each of the last two seasons. He posted double-figure home runs in both campaigns and finished his college career with a 97.8% fielding percentage. Ranked as ESPN’s 38th best prospect and MLB.com’s 50th, Brunson split time as a senior, logging 34 starts in center field and 16 in right field, plus one start as a designated hitter. His offensive tools are evident from a .304 batting average, 11 doubles, and 51 RBIs, leading TCU in those categories.
Third round, 78th overall: Luke Williams, SS, Franklin High School (PA). The Nationals continued their outfield focus by selecting Vanderbilt baseball signee Luke Williams, who flipped his commitment from Virginia to Vanderbilt before ultimately turning pro with the Nationals rather than heading to Nashville. Williams, rated the 14th-best prospect in the 2026 class by Perfect Game and recognized as the 57th by ESPN and 90th by MLB.com, made a name for himself with his defensive versatility. The five-tool talent, who also plays shortstop, previously played for the Detroit Tigers scout team in the USA Prime National program and for Franklin Regional High School. Williams earned MaxPreps All-America Second Team honors after a standout stat line: .465 batting average, 33 runs, 33 hits, eight doubles, four triples, four home runs, 17 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases, leading the conference in runs scored and stolen bases.
Fourth round, 106th overall: Cooper Harris, RHP, Flower Mound High School (TX). The Nationals added their first pitching arm of the draft in Cooper Harris. The 6-foot-3 right-hander dazzled scouts in February, striking out 17 in six no-hit innings. Drafted one month after his 18th birthday, Harris provides a young arm for the organization to develop. MLB.com notes Harris operates at 90-94 mph, reaching 96 with his fastball, offering carry, sink, or cut and impressive command. Harris, who had committed to Texas, was ranked the 76th-best prospect by MLB.com and 119th by ESPN. Baseball America named him a Second-Team High School All-American. As a senior, he allowed only five earned runs all season. Harris’ blend of velocity, movement, and projectable frame makes him an intriguing addition to Washington’s pitching pipeline.