The team that finishes with Major League Baseball’s worst record at least receives a few consolation perks.
The first overall pick in the following year’s draft is the biggest. On Thursday, the Nationals took advantage of another bonus for their 59-102 record — the top selection in the annual Rule 5 draft.
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Team may choose any minor leaguer from opposing clubs who has three years experience, but not yet been placed on his organization’s 40-man roster. That applies to right-handed relief pitcher Terrell Young, 24, the Cincinnati Reds minor-leaguer picked by the Nats.
Young was 2-5 with a 2.88 ERA in 43 games at low-A Dayton and high-A Sarasota. He was a 10th round pick by the Reds in 2004. A promising prospect with a power arm and improving control, Young must stay on Washington’s 25-man roster all of next season or be offered back to Cincinnati.
