The Washington Nationals plucked Stephen Strasburg out of San Diego State with the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2009, had Bryce Harper fall into their lap in that same slot the following year and chose Anthony Rendon sixth overall in 2011. The next year they began a string of five playoff berths in eight years.
The Houston Astros are looking for a second World Series title in three years after losing at least 106 games from 2011 to 2013. The Cubs had a pair of top-four picks before ending their curse in 2016 and the Royals had seven top-five picks from 2005-12 before their drought came to an end in 2015.