Drafted in the 34th round (1,034th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2015 (signed for $400,000).
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The Nationals drafted Watson in the 34th round in 2015 and signed him away from a Loyola Marymount commitment for $400,000, fifth-round money. He excelled as a 19-year-old with short-season Auburn the next year, and finished the season with low Class A Hagerstown. Watson is advanced for his age and takes advantage of his large 6-foot-5 frame to throw from a steep downhill angle. His fastball sits in the upper 80s and he locates the pitch well. He still has some projectability, and his fastball could eventually sit in the low 90s. His curveball has the potential to be an above-average offering and his he has good feel for his changeup. Watson throws all three of his pitches for strikes and earns praise for his poise and confidence on the mound. Watson has the tools and pitchability to develop as a starter, but his ceiling will depend on how much he physically matures and adds strength to his frame. He will return to Hagerstown to begin 2017.
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