New leadership brings experience with fresh eyes on Nats' draft plans

WASHINGTON – The Nationals are approaching the Draft this weekend with a new front office that brings plenty of experience to the process.

In their first season with Paul Toboni as president of baseball operations and a revamped staff, the Nationals will begin this chapter with the No. 11 overall pick on Saturday.

Toboni was named president of baseball operations following his tenure with the Red Sox, where he oversaw their Major and Minor League development. During this time, Toboni oversaw the selections and player development of Roman Anthony (No. 79 overall, 2022) and Marcelo Meyer (No. 4 overall, 2021).

“I’m really excited for it. It's one of my favorite times of the year,” Toboni said. “It’s kind of how I grew up in the game, so to speak. Even with my current responsibilities not really mandating that I'd be involved a ton, I like going on our database and looking up the different players and watching video and all that.

“We're really fortunate in that [director, amateur acquisitions] Des McGowan and [assistant director, amateur acquisitions] Lloyd Hill and Justin Horowitz, we have great trust in all of them that they'll put us in a great position to make some great picks. And I’ll be along for the ride.”

Toboni hired Horowitz from the Pirates to serve as assistant general manager to oversee the Nationals amateur, international and professional acquisitions.

Horowitz was Pittsburgh’s amateur scouting director from 2023-25. He led the Pirates’ Draft process in 2024 and ‘25 when they drafted Konnor Griffin No. 9 overall (‘24) and Seth Hernandez No. 6 overall (‘25). Griffin, 20, is already in the Majors and went 5-for-13 against the Nationals this past weekend. Horowitz worked with Toboni on the Red Sox, where he advanced to a special assistant in amateur scouting from 2020-23.

Day 1 picks: 11, 42, 78, 106

Bonus pool allotment: $12,278,300

Last year’s top pick: Eli Willits, SS, pick 1 … With the first overall pick in the 2025 Draft, the Nationals chose a 17-year-old high school standout who comes from a baseball family. Willits, the son of former Major League player Reggie, was the youngest player to be drafted first overall since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987. Willits is ranked as the Nationals' No. 1 prospect and MLB’s No. 3 prospect. He already has advanced to High-A in his first pro season. Nationals senior vice president & assistant general manager, baseball operations, Mike DeBartolo was serving as interim GM for the 2025 Draft.

Breakout 2025 pick: Miguel Sime Jr., RHP, pick 111 … Sime has turned heads for his ability to throw triple digits while only a teenager. He was promoted to High-A after his first 10 starts in the pros. Sime is ranked as the Nationals’ No. 17 prospect. He was named to the 2026 Futures Game during All-Star Weekend, along with Willits.

In MLB Pipeline’s latest Mock Draft, the Nationals are projected to select Ace Reese with the No. 11 pick: “No one has jumped out to the lead, but word is the Nats do like the Mississippi State third baseman.” Reese is ranked as the No. 18 Draft prospect.

“Things can change pretty quickly,” Toboni said. “We all like to think that many of these players are sure things when they're in A-ball, but that's not the case. And it goes the other way as well. There are players that we're not talking about right now that are in A-ball or High-A or whatever it might be that end up being pretty darn good players.

“So we'll maintain an open mind. Honestly, so much that is dictated by just what the draft board looks like and who's available at your pick that I've just learned over the years that a lot of it kind of sorts itself out.”

The Nationals drafted in the top 10 the past four years. Prior to selecting Willits No. 1 overall last July, they picked shortstop Seaver King No. 10 overall in 2024, outfielder Dylan Crews No. 2 overall in ‘23, and outfielder Elijah Green No. 5 overall in ‘22. Their last No. 11 overall pick was third baseman Brady House in ‘21.