Ace Reese Could Be Nationals’ Draft Pick | Washington Nationals News

**Corey** (0:00)
On July 3rd, the MLB draft is just about a week away, and the buzz is all about potential picks. For a while, the talk was about high schooler Jared Grindlinger, but lately, the focus has shifted. Both MLB pipeline and Baseball America are now projecting Mississippi State infielder Ace Reese to the Nationals. Apparently, the Nats are showing some serious interest in him. Reese has been a standout hitter in the SEC for the past two seasons. After transferring to Mississippi State, he put up some impressive numbers, hitting over 350 with 21 homers in his first year, and then followed that up with a 336 average and 24 homers this past season. His power and ability to make contact are definitely eye-catching.
The appeal is clear. Reese has the potential to be a solid hitter with significant home run power, possibly a.260 average with 30 homers.
That kind of production could be a real asset. However, he does have a tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone and his contact numbers dipped slightly this year, which raises a few. Questions about consistency. It's interesting because his profile has some similarities to Ethan Petry, whom the Nationals drafted last year. Petry also had some chase issues that have improved in professional ball. Reese might chase a bit more, but he also seems to have a better hit tool.
Some analysts are higher on Reese, believing in his combined hit and power potential. Though others prefer different prospects like Chris Hacopian or Tyler Bell. Ultimately, Ace Reese brings a lot of excitement. He's got that big time power, a smooth swing, and the potential to be a middle of the order threat. With draft day approaching, the Nationals are in crunch time, and while a high school prospect is still possible, the trend seems to be leaning towards a safer college hitter like Reese. That wraps Washington Nationals News Today, brought to you with AI.
I'm Corey with the story.