What happened: The Washington Nationals selected catcher Cashel Dugger, a UCLA product and Valor Christian standout, with pick No. 256 overall in the ninth round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Dugger hit .251 with a .378 on-base percentage and 39 RBIs in 52 starts behind the plate this season.
Why it matters: The pick adds catching depth to Washington's system as the club also weighs its trade deadline direction. Dugger becomes the latest UCLA player off the board this draft, a day after Roch Cholowsky went No. 1 overall to the White Sox.
By the numbers: Dugger, 20, hit .251/.378 with 39 RBIs in 52 starts at catcher this season. He was taken No. 256 overall, the ninth-round selection in the 2026 MLB Draft.
What to watch: Dugger begins his transition to professional catching duties inside the Nationals' minor league system.