The No. 2 prospect in the Washington Nationals organization, Outfielder James Wood is red hot at the moment. He has homered in three of his last four at-bats as a member of the team’s Triple-A affiliate the Rochester Red Wings. Wood was named the No. 12 prospect in all of Major League Baseball before the beginning of the 2024 season.
Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo discussed a few weeks ago the team’s timeline regarding calling Wood up to the major leagues:
“He’s going to let you know when he is ready [to be called up]…The key is to find your niche here and stay here and be an impactful force for us for years to come.”
When will the Washington Nationals finally call up James Wood?
James Wood Career Summary
James Wood has 3 homers in his past 4 at-bats!
The @nationals' No. 2 prospect boosts his OPS to 1.005 for the @RocRedWings. pic.twitter.com/YAfM4XBJKo
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 9, 2024
Wood was drafted No. 62 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. Wood found himself a member of the Nationals organization as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to San Diego at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline. Wood impressed when he was invited to the Washington Nationals Spring Training roster earlier this year. He hit .364 with four home runs and seven RBI.
His career statistics in Minor League Baseball are .297 with 46 home runs and 192 RBI.
What Would Wood Bring To The Washington Nationals?
Wood could provide the team with a much-needed power boost as the team is near the bottom of the league in home runs, runs scored, Slugging Percentage, and OPS. The team’s current starting outfielders have not gotten off to a stellar start in 2024. Starting Left Fielder Jesse Winker has only four home runs and 18 RBI this season. Center Fielder Jacob Young has only eight RBI, and Right Fielder Eddie Rosario has been downright awful hitting .143 this season.
Washington Nationals Season Summary
The Washington Nationals(18-18) have gotten off to a mediocre start this season. They are currently third in the National League East. Washington has been inconsistent this season and unable, up until this point, to put together a solid stretch of games. For example in late April, the team won two games, lost three in a row, and then won another four straight games.
Washington has an average pitching staff this season. They are 15th in ERA, surrendered the second-fewest home runs, and are in the middle of the pack in the number of walks issued.
Regardless of when Wood is called up by the Washington Nationals, he will be a great addition to the ballclub as they look to build toward the future.
About The Author
Justin has always loved sports. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated and 247Sports. He is always willing to talk football (NFL or college) and basketball, whether it’s on the women’s or men’s side, college or pro! Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports