(WEST PALM BEACH, FL) – Despite a league-worst 52-110 record in 2045, the Washington Nationals did not have the first overall pick in the upcoming 2046 CLB Draft. Due to the recent implementation of the draft lottery, they were forced into selecting third overall.
That lottery, however, does not apply past the first round, so they would hold the first pick (pick #34) in the second round. The Nationals’ brass did not hesitate and selected 2B Oscar Gorman with that pick.
Gorman, a then 21 year old product of the Santa Clarita College Navigators in the CLB Collegiate Feeder Leagues, came drafted as a well-seasoned left-handed hitting second baseman with excellent bat skills. So much so that Gorman was a back-to-back winner of the CCOL 2B Silver Slugger Award in his respective league (SL1).
Due to his advanced skill and experience, Nationals’ GM Pablo Dominguez spearheaded the charge in starting Gorman in AA Harrisburg. It is not typical for rookies to start at the Double A level, as it is often noted as the most difficult minor league level. It’s the point where those that could really have a major league future are making their best effort to be called up and improve. That said, it is not uncommon for minor leaguers to struggle at that level, particularly those that are thrown into it.
The thing is, Gorman did not struggle. In a brief two week, 12 game stint, Gorman collected a .375/.444/.458 slash line, good for a 154 OPS+.
Nationals’ executives were so impressed with Gorman, they agreed to give him a big test following the continued struggle of 2B Ricky Christian and promoted him to the majors. What Gorman then proceeded to do defied many expectations, particularly those of rookies that were drafted in the same season they debuted.
Gorman’s 2046 Season: 68G, 264 AB, .341/.359/.549, 17 2B, 12 HR, 47 RBI. 2.0 WAR
For rookies to debut 40 points above the average hitter in OPS+ is extremely impressive. It’s even more impressive noting that Gorman was only 21 years old during the 2046 season, and had a whopping 12 minor league games under his belt. Some would consider it to be historic given the circumstances.
And it’s not just the results that were impressive. How Gorman did it is what impressed the Nationals’ front office the most.
Gorman was scouted as a spray hitter, which typically would mean he’s sacrificing power to make better contact. Gorman however hit for plus power while still maintaining the excellent contact skills.
Below is Gorman’s 2046 major league level spray chart, which not only displays an incredibly advanced approach, but also power to all fields. Most 21-year old players are not this advanced, let alone have grown into power to accentuate this style of hitting.
All of this is to not say that Gorman is without weaknesses. Gorman, despite the impressive bat skills, is not one to take walks typically, an easy way to reach base. It may keep his OBP down throughout his career without some improvement.
Additionally, Gorman is not a savvy defender. While he has the ability to field multiple positions (1B, 2B, LF, RF), he is not particularly great at any of them. Gorman spent 2046 primarily as a 2B and was not very successful at it (-5.3 ZR in 449.2 IP).
If you were to ask Gorman about any of it though, he’s just happy to be here.
“To be playing at the major league level is a dream in itself, let alone at 21 years old like I was last year. And to be as successful as I was, I’m very proud of myself, and the coaching I received at Santa Clarita along the way. I’m also incredibly blessed the Nationals’ organization would take the risk they made in promoting me to the majors so early. I can’t wait to be performing for this organization as we continue to grow together during this rebuild.” said Gorman in an interview with the Washington Post last week during Spring Training.
So far, it seems as if Gorman is picking up right where he left off in 2046. Hitting to the tune of a .385/.429/.667 slash line while being the best performing batter in Nationals’ Spring Training thus far. The Nationals hope the trend continues from Spring Training, but also from the impressive 2046 campaign.
Due the unconventional skipping through the minor leagues, Gorman was the first graduate of the 2046 draft class at the major league level. And not only did Gorman graduate, he did so with flying colors.