The Washington Nationals selected Potomac native Chris Hacopian with the No. 11 overall pick in the first round of Saturday’s Major League Baseball draft, capping a four‑year journey that took him from area high school ball to the Southeastern Conference.
What this means locally
Hacopian’s selection brings a local player into the Nationals’ organization and represents a milestone for the Potomac baseball pipeline. The infielder left Winston Churchill High School before his senior season to gain additional experience at a baseball academy in South Carolina. He later committed to Maryland after decommitting from Wake Forest, became one of the Big Ten’s top hitters, and then transferred to Texas A&M for his junior season.
Player development and draft profile
Scouts and coaches noted improvements in Hacopian’s defensive play after his move to College Station. During his season with Texas A&M, he committed only one error across 42 games, a mark of defensive steadiness that helped raise his profile among MLB teams. The decision to seek tougher competition, including transferring from Maryland to Texas A&M, appears to have paid off with a top‑15 selection.
- High school: Winston Churchill High School (Potomac); left before senior season for a South Carolina baseball academy.
- College: Initially committed to Wake Forest, then played at Maryland where he became a top hitter in the Big Ten.
- Transfer: Moved to Texas A&M for his junior year and showed defensive improvement (1 error in 42 games).
- Draft: Selected No. 11 overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2026 MLB draft.
Local reaction and next steps
For Maryland baseball followers, Hacopian’s pick is a reminder of the region’s ability to produce professional prospects. The Nationals now add an infielder with experience in both the Big Ten and SEC to their farm system; the team will determine his assignment within its minor league structure and the timeline for his professional development.
| Stage | Key detail |
|---|---|
| High school | Winston Churchill HS; left before senior year for academy |
| College | Maryland (Big Ten) — became top hitter; transferred to Texas A&M |
| Draft | No. 11 overall, Washington Nationals |
Hacopian’s path — moves made to seek tougher competition and improve his game — underscores common choices among high‑level prospects who aim for the majors. Nationals fans in the region will now watch how he adapts to professional pitching and where he begins his climb through the minors.
— Darius Holloway, Maryland Correspondent
