Top pick Green mashes, meets stars at Nats Park

WASHINGTON -- In the 12 days since outfielder Elijah Green was selected by the Nationals with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, he has hung out at Francisco Lindor’s house, prepared for the Florida Complex League and met his potential future teammates before taking batting practice with them at Nationals Park.

“It’s unreal because you don’t get to play on a Major League field every day as an 18-year-old,” Green said after going yard several times in the cage prior to the Nationals’ 6-2 series opening loss to the Cardinals.

The five-tool standout from IMG Academy in Florida was Washington’s highest Draft pick since Bryce Harper in 2010. He signed with the Nats for $6,500,000, slightly above the $6,497,700 pick value and more than half of their $11,013,900 signing pool.

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Green, who was ranked as MLB.com’s No. 3 Draft prospect, shared what his life has been like from Draft night to Friday at Nats Park.

Nice to meet you
One of the first players Green met in the Nationals' clubhouse was Juan Soto, an interaction that left a lasting impression.

"It was just a crazy experience -- just seeing him on TV, just seeing him in person,” Green said. “He's a real humble guy. ... He was like, 'Welcome to D.C. Welcome to the Nationals' organization.' It was really a great talk."

Green has emphasized his goal of becoming a team leader, and he noted how Soto -- only five years older than him at 23 -- carries himself.

"He’s very mature for his age, so I feel like I’m starting to get there,” Green said. “Building up through the Minor Leagues, I feel like I’m definitely going to get there."

Going, going gone
Green, who batted .462 with a 1.592 OPS and nine home runs his senior year of high school, mashed balls during BP after watching sluggers like Soto, Josh Bell and Nelson Cruz do the same.

“I just feel like my skills I’ve been working hard on the past few years now, just showing that it paid off, hitting home runs 10 rows up is just, I love it,” Green said.

Green said he is “definitely” looking forward to his first home run in the pros. Among his fundamentals checklist for growth: “Try to hit the ball hard.”

Eyeing the Majors
Green reports to the Nationals’ training facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday to begin competing in the Florida Complex League. While he said of the Minor Leagues, “Baseball is baseball, no matter where you play,” he has a goal of reaching the Majors in two to three years.

“I just feel like that’s the quickest I can fully develop and mature throughout the process,” Green said.

A family of athletes
Green was joined at Nationals Park by his family, including his dad, two-time NFL Pro Bowler Eric Green. The father-son duo threw out and caught the ceremonial first pitch, and Eric went home with a souvenir -- Elijah signed the ball for him.

So who’s more excited for Green to begin the first chapter of his Major League career?

“I’d say it’s kind of equal,” he said. “But, you know, my dad’s very excited for me.”

Invite from an All-Star
Green has more connections to Lindor than just playing for NL East organizations. The two share an agent, and Green trains at Lindor’s alma mater, Montverde Academy in Florida. When the Mets' shortstop found out Green was working out nearby, he extended an invitation to his home.

“He was like, come over so I can say congratulations,” Green said.

Lindor’s advice?

“Just so you know, it’s a grind.”