Nationals Draft Hacopian as McNeil Clone | Washington Nationals News

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On July 13th, the Washington Nationals made their first round pick in the 2026 MLB draft, selecting Chris Hacopian with the 11th overall. Selection, he's a local kid from Gaithersburg, Maryland, and plays infield for Texas A&M. He's been on the Nationals radar for a while, and now he's officially part of the organization, potentially becoming a key player for their future. Bleager reports Joel Ryder compared Hacopian to Jeff McNeil, a player known for his hitting and defensive flexibility. McNeil has been an all-star multiple times, and even won a batting title.
While the exact reasons for the comparison weren't detailed, it likely stems from their shared offensive strengths and potential to play multiple positions.
Hacopian's bat is considered his biggest asset. In college, he put up impressive numbers, hitting for a high average with significant power and a good walk to strikeout ratio.
The hope is that he can translate this hitting prowess to the professional level, similar to how McNeil performed in his early years, consistently. Hitting over 300, McNeil's career also highlights his defensive versatility, playing across the infield and outfield. This ability to play multiple positions has kept him in the lineup regularly. Evaluators believe Hacopian could also offer this kind of flexibility, potentially playing second base or a corner outfield spot, which would make him. A valuable asset. While Hacopian still has a long road ahead to reach the major leagues, the potential for him to combine McNeil's hitting consistency and defensive. Versatility would be a massive win for the Nationals' long-term plans. Stay locked in with Washington Nationals News Today, AI-powered updates.