Nationals fast-track 11th-overall pick Chris Hacopian to High-A Wilmington

Chris Hacopian, selected 11th overall in last month’s draft, will begin his minor-league career with the High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks rather than the traditional Low-A Fredericksburg team. The Nationals’ new approach mirrors earlier cases where high-profile draftees, such as Dylan Crews, received accelerated promotions. Wilmington’s reputation as a difficult hitting environment makes the assignment notable, yet the club has previously seen success from hitters like Eli Willits, Ethan Petry and Devin Fitz-Gerald there.

Paul Toboni and the front office argue that Hacopian’s plate discipline justifies skipping the lower level. The move adds another top prospect to a Blue Rocks roster already featuring players such as Ronny Cruz and Miguel Sime Jr. While the strategy is aggressive, officials suggest patience if Hacopian encounters early struggles. The debut follows the earlier appearance of 9th-rounder Cashel Dugger in Low-A.