Monday in Round 2 of the 2015 MLB Draft, the Washington Nationals selected Louisiana State CF Andrew Stevenson and Arizona high school outfielder Blake Perkins. The Nationals forfeited their 1st round selection last winter when they signed free agent pitcher Max Scherzer. Conversely Washington did have an extra 2nd round pick due to their failure to sign Andrew Suarez in last June’s draft, giving them selections #58 (the Suarez pick) and #69 overall on Day 1 to attempt to replenish their farm system.

Their first choice #58 overall, Washington selected dynamic defensive centerfielder Andrew Stevenson. Possessing plus speed, excellent instincts and a fringe-average arm, Stevenson profiles as a potential gold glove caliber major league defensive centerfielder. Offensively Stevenson has a slightly awkward, mechanical left-handed swing with solid bat speed and quality contact skills, giving him a chance to hit for average in the future. He does not profile to hit for power, though some mechanical adjustments to allow him to unleash his lower half during the swing could allow him to develop occasional pull power. Stevenson possesses a high floor as a prospect due to his excellent defensive skills and positive value on the bases but his lack of home run power limits his ceiling.

Following the selection of Stevenson, next at number #69 the Nationals somewhat surprisingly again selected an outfielder, this time taking Arizona high school outfielder Blake Perkins. An Arizona State commit, Perkins is a raw, toolsy athlete with above-average to plus speed in his extremely projectable, 6-0 180lbs frame. Scouts project Perkins to potentially develop five average or better major league tools, as his excellent speed and solid arm allow him to profile well defensively in center field. At the plate, Perkins is extremely unrefined but possesses loose hands and noticeable bat speed in his right-handed swing. He will need significant development in the minors to refine his swing and develop his body, but Perkins is an intriguing athlete for Washington to cultivate.

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In general, I am a big fan of the Stevenson selection, but I am skeptical of the Perkins pick unless he signs for below slot value, as there were other names I preferred at #69. Both Stevenson and Perkins should sign for near or below slot, so expect Washington to be reasonably aggressive early in Rounds 3-5, perhaps attempting to take a few college pitchers and another high school project with their early Day 2 picks. Although I question the Perkins pick on first glance, I think the Nationals did well overall on Day 1 of the MLB Draft.

NatsGM Day 1 Grade ->    B-

*Please join me at 1pm today as I Live Blog Rounds 3-10 of the MLB Draft. *