Zack Konstantinovsky, a right‑handed pitcher from Rutgers, heard his name called in the 14th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, landing the 406th overall selection by the Washington Nationals. The pick marks the first time a Scarlet Knight has been chosen by the Nationals, adding his name to a growing list of draft successes for the program.
A New Chapter for the Scarlet Knights
Coach Mike McRae, who guided Konstantinovsky through a breakout 2026 season, praised the hurler’s poise on the mound. In his debut start against Charleston, he fanned nine batters in seven innings, a performance that set the tone for a year in which he finished with 83 strikeouts across 70.2 innings, posting a 4‑5 record and a 5.48 ERA.
The 2026 campaign also represented a comeback story. After missing the entire 2025 season due to injury, Konstantinovsky returned to become the team’s ace, delivering a career‑high nine strikeouts in his first start and later tossing seven shutout innings against Western Carolina. His 83 strikeouts rank sixth in Rutgers history, underscoring the impact of his resilience.
His achievement joins a lineage of Scarlet Knights drafted by the Nationals. Peyton Bonds, his teammate in the 2026 class, was the other selection this year, continuing a streak that has seen at least two Rutgers players drafted for five consecutive seasons. The franchise’s roots trace back to the Montreal Expos, which drafted Jason Bergmann and Tim Sweeney in 2002, both of whom later contributed six seasons of service to the Nationals.
Bergmann’s six‑year tenure from 2005 to 2010 laid groundwork for today’s prospects, illustrating a pipeline that the Nationals continue to nurture. For Konstantinovsky, the draft represents not only personal validation but also a milestone for Rutgers baseball, reinforcing the university’s reputation as a producer of major‑league talent.
The Nationals’ scouting department highlighted Konstantinovsky’s fastball velocity and command as key factors in their decision. General Manager Brian Cashman noted that the pitcher’s ability to strike out batters at a high rate aligns with the club’s emphasis on dominant arms.
Fans at Rutgers celebrated the news, gathering at the university’s baseball complex to watch the draft broadcast. Alumni and current players alike expressed confidence that Konstantinovsky’s success will inspire future generations of Scarlet Knights.
As the draft night unfolded, the organization’s official website posted a tribute to the new draftee, linking his profile to the team’s history of pitching excellence. The move signals a strategic investment in developing home‑grown talent that can compete at the highest level.