Nats select Carter Kieboom No. 28 as compensation for Zimmermann
The Washington Nationals selected high school shortstop Carter Kieboom with the 28th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft on Thursday.
The pick is compensation for losing pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, who signed a five-year, $110-million deal with the Detroit Tigers after rejecting the Nationals' qualifying offer last winter. Detroit forfeited its second-round pick because of the signing.
Kieboom comes from baseball roots, as his older brother Spencer is already in the Nationals' system, and his other brother Trevor plays at Georgia.
Of the boys, Carter is easily the best, especially in the field. Though it's an outside chance, Kieboom could make his case to stay at shortstop if he proves that his first step can keep up with him over the years. From MLB Pipeline:
He had the best at-bats of anyone at the Under Armour All-America Game in July, including an opposite-field single against a 98-mph fastball from Riley Pint, the top-rated high school right-hander. Factor in Kieboom's quality bat speed and the loft in his right-handed swing, and he should have at least average power once he fills out.
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)
The Nats have $2,065,900 to spend on Kieboom without being penalized for going over.