WASHINGTON – In the past, the Major League Baseball draft was often unpredictable, resembling a gamble on unproven talent based on handwritten scouting reports or unclear video footage.

However, Dylan Crews demonstrated on Monday just how much things have evolved.

In just 13 months, Crews, at 22 years old, transitioned from being the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft to holding the No. 2 spot in the Washington Nationals’ batting order. He made his debut against the formidable New York Yankees, still in awe that he’s now going to work in a major league stadium, despite his background suggesting this was his destined path.

And within a year, there’s a chance that the top two picks from his draft could both win Rookie of the Year awards in back-to-back years.

Crews’ LSU teammate, Paul Skenes, was selected as the number one pick last year and is now making waves in the National League – being an All-Star, boasting a 2.16 ERA over 17 starts, striking out 11.3 batters per nine innings, and accumulating 4.4 WAR with several games remaining this season.

“In my opinion,” Crews remarked on Monday, “he’s generational. He’s doing exceptionally well.”

This praise isn’t just due to the record-setting $9.2 million signing bonus (Crews “settled” for $9 million being the No. 2 pick). Both Skenes and Crews thrived at LSU, enhancing their physical capabilities through the school’s advanced player development program. Crews earned the Golden Spikes Award with a .418 batting average, a .562 on-base percentage, and 104 hits, while Skenes consistently hit 100 mph on the radar gun, fanning an impressive 209 batters in just 122 2/3 innings.

All they seemed to require was a bit of refinement before hitting the big leagues. But this sport has a way of humbling even the most talented.

There have been a number of disappointing or underperforming No. 1 or 2 draft picks over the years, including players like Tim Beckham, Matt Bush, and accomplished college pitchers like Mark Appel and Bryan Bullington.

Many supposed “can’t-miss” prospects have indeed missed. This makes the rapid ascent of Crews and Skenes all the more surprising.

Only two pairs of 1-2 draft picks have reached the majors faster than Skenes and Crews. In June 2015, shortstops Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman were selected 1-2 from Vanderbilt and LSU respectively. Bregman made his Astros debut on July 25, 2016, while Swanson, after being traded to the Braves, debuted on August 17, 2016.

Also, in 1993, Alex Rodriguez and Darren Dreifort were the top two picks; Dreifort debuted for the Los Angeles Dodgers in April 1994, while A-Rod played for the Mariners in July 1994, just days before a player strike ended the season.

Over the years, many players were rushed to the majors prematurely, most infamously David Clyde, who was picked first overall out of a Houston high school by the Texas Rangers and made his debut that June, but only managed 73 starts in total.

Today’s elite prospects are notably more refined.

Crews made an impressive exit from the minor leagues, recording 21 hits in his last 16 games, securing a .385 OBP and .913 OPS at Class AAA Rochester against older competition. He is recognized as a true five-tool player and is capable of excelling in all three outfield positions, beginning his career in right field.

As he becomes part of the growing Nationals team, which has seen eight players debut this season, he might be called to take on even greater responsibilities.

Crews finds himself between All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams, 23, and rising rookie James Wood, 21, who reached the majors just weeks before Crews. Wood, similar to Abrams, joined the Nationals in the 2022 blockbuster trade for Yankees outfielder Juan Soto and has made quite an impression with an .822 OPS, five home runs, seven doubles, and three triples in 203 plate appearances.

Like Abrams, Wood carries a relaxed demeanor. However, Crews, having honed his skills in the competitive environment of the Southeastern Conference and LSU athletics, is ready to step up when necessary.

“In college, you often find yourself pushed out of your comfort zone,” says Crews, who walked and finished hitless in his major league debut, where the Nationals lost 5-2 to the Yankees. “If it means being more vocal and motivating my teammates beyond just leading by example, I am open to that.”

“If CJ and Wood’s role is leading by example, I need to expand my comfort zone and take on a vocal leadership role. I’m ready for that.”

The Nationals are prepared for his arrival.

<p““He’s with us for a reason,” Abrams remarked. “It’s a youthful team, and we improve together every day. During spring training, we all bonded and worked on bettering ourselves. It’s all coming together nicely.”

“He brings everything to the team. He’s a joy to watch. In spring training, we got to see a glimpse of his talent. He’s showcased his skills in the minors, and now it’s his time to shine in the major leagues.”

Interestingly, Crews’ promotion may have come at the right moment, as he was called up late enough to ensure that he will remain eligible for rookie status in 2025, after spending less than 45 days on the active roster.

If he secures a spot in the top two for rookie voting, the Nationals will gain a compensatory draft pick after the first round. The Pittsburgh Pirates are highly likely to benefit from Skenes, who is currently in a fierce competition for Rookie of the Year against Jackson Merrill, a standout outfielder from the San Diego Padres.

“Paul’s an outstanding player. He certainly has earned all of this,” Crews commented. “He’s one of the most dedicated players I’ve ever observed. You could easily toss a coin to decide between Merrill and Paul. Both are exceptionally talented.”

Top-tier talent consistently emerges in the major leagues. Crews and Skenes demonstrate that this influx occurs more swiftly—and with increased reliability—than before.