2024 MLB Draft live tracker: Travis Bazzana goes No. 1 overall to Cleveland Guardians, Reds take RHP Chase Burns

With California high school shortstop Bryce Rainer and Texas A&M outfielder Braden Montgomery — two of the consensus top-10 players available — still on the board, the Nationals swerved and selected Seaver King, an ultra-athletic, right-handed hitter who could end up at shortstop, third base or perhaps even center field in pro ball.

This selection stands out not just for whom the Nats seemingly passed on but also in relation to the move the team made earlier in the weekend, when they sent reliever Hunter Harvey to Kansas City in exchange for third-base prospect Cayden Wallace and, more relevantly, the 39th pick in tonight’s draft. Pick No. 39 was a competitive balance pick, which meant it was available to be traded, and the Royals used it to bolster their bullpen amidst a postseason push.

For Washington, though, it meant it would have not only another pick to make on Day 1 but also additional bonus pool money to spread among its top picks. King was projected to go a bit later in Round 1, so there’s a good chance the Nationals will save some money on a deal with him and thus have even more to work with when picks Nos. 39 and 44 (Washington’s second-round pick) roll around. In turn, the Nats might have a stronger chance to secure another player projected to go in the 20-30 range with an over-slot signing bonus. Fascinating choice by Mike Rizzo and Co.