Nats GM Mike Rizzo reveals moment he knew Dylan Crews was his choice

Mike Rizzo got his guy in this year’s MLB Draft. The Washington Nationals’ president and general manager made it clear that second-overall pick Dylan Crews was his first choice.

“And when I was out and about seeing some of the top players in the country this year, I knew I had my pick when I left the University of Mississippi against LSU,” Rizzo said, per Talk Nats. “So it was something that we, you know, there was a lot of decision-making, there was a lot thought put into this, but my instinct was when I left that ballpark, I knew who we were taking.”

LSU swept Ole Miss during a three-game series over the April 21-23 weekend. In that series, Crews went 7-for-13 (.538), and had a two-home run game, including a grand slam. Crews also drove in seven runs, scored four, and drew two walks.

Crews got named the 2023 Golden Spike for the best amateur baseball player. He hit .426/.567/.713 with 18 home runs, 70 RBI, and 77 walks in 71 games during LSU’s run to this year’s national championship.

Dylan Crews was considered the best bat in this year’s MLB Draft. For the Nationals, picking second put them in a position to consider selecting Crews’ teammate, right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes. However, the Pittsburgh Pirates took Skenes first overall, opening the door for Rizzo to get his top choice.

Yes, it’s easier to say Crews was at the top of his board after the draft, but Rizzo got the centerpiece of his Nats’ rebuild. He is a generational talent, and truthfully, even if he was Plan B, Washington is elated with the consolation prize.