The Washington Nationals are wasting no time pushing another premium young bat into the mix.
Chris Hacopian, the club’s 2026 first-round pick, is headed to High-A Wilmington, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. He had been at the Florida Complex affiliate after being drafted, but with that season already over, Wilmington will serve as the first stop in his pro career. Nusbaum also reported that Hacopian is scheduled to make his debut on Sunday.
That puts him into a pretty loaded Blue Rocks group right away. Hacopian will join No. 1 and No. 5 prospects Eli Willits and Ronny Cruz, both of whom moved up from Single-A Fredericksburg earlier this year. For Washington, that creates a clear look at some of the infield talent that could shape the major league picture down the line.
Where Hacopian ultimately lands on the diamond is still worth watching. He’s projected as a second baseman in pro ball, though a move to a corner outfield spot is also on the table. Cruz has spent more time at third base with Wilmington - 18 games - than he did with Fredericksburg, where he played seven games there, and that could leave second base open for Hacopian if the Nationals choose to use him that way.
The early assignment says plenty about how Washington views his bat. Hacopian’s hit tool is considered his biggest strength, and the organization clearly believes he’s ready to handle High-A pitching from the jump. If that bat keeps producing, he could move through the system fast.
Hacopian will also be part of a deeper Wilmington prospect mix that includes right-hander Miguel Sime Jr., outfielder Yeremy Cabrera and infielder Angel Feliz, ranked Nos. 9, 19 and 22 in the Nationals’ farm system.
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