Two Potential Nationals Draft Targets Now Viewed as Top 10 Talents

MLB Pipeline updated their big board to include 150 draft-eligible players, and coming in at No. 4 in the rankings is Flora. While things can get a bit wonky on draft day when it comes to highly-touted players slipping due to how teams view players and what their needs are going forward, there's almost no chance Flora will be available by the time the Nationals make their selection.

That's because the righty has been flat-out dominant for UC Santa Barbara this season. Across 11 starts, he has an 8-0 record with a ridiculous 0.78 ERA. He also has recorded 88 strikeouts and just 25 walks over 69 1/3 innings pitched, which has vaulted him into the status of "best pitcher in the 2026 draft" in the eyes of MLB Pipeline.

Flora is someone Washington would love to add, as he would be yet another elite arm in their pipeline. But they are going to have to look elsewhere if they want to add a pitcher at pick No. 11.

Sawyer Strosnider Comes in at No. 9

Flora wasn't the only potential Nationals target who moved into top 10 status, as Strosnider was ranked No. 9 in the latest update. There's a good reason for that, too. Across 44 games, the slugging outfielder has slashed .284/.428/.605 with 12 home runs, 10 doubles, three triples and 45 RBIs. He also has drawn 39 walks compared to 33 strikeouts, which is impressive for a power-hitter like him.

Depending on how things shake out on draft day, there's a chance Strosnider could still be available for Washington to select if that's who they decide is their guy. Whether or not they want to take another outfielder isn't clear at this time, but adding the talented 20-year-old would not be a bad option for the Nationals based on how he's performed in the prep ranks and in college.

There's still plenty of time before the start of the 2026 MLB Draft. But it's looking like two high-profile potential targets for Washington might not be available when it's their turn to pick.