Woods’ Power and Speed Leading Nationals Back to Competitiveness

In less than two full MLB seasons under his belt, James Wood is a leader of the Washington Nationals, and an all-star in the making.

James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on May 24, 2025. Greg Fiume/Getty Images

The arrival of James Wood as a bona fide major leaguer so quickly in his career shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The San Diego Padres knew Wood was a special prospect. Heck, they selected him in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Then, after breaking spring training in Florida, followed by being shipped to three different rookie and Single-A minor league ball clubs, the Padres pulled the trigger on obtaining Juan Soto from the Nationals. In exchange for the all-star outfielder leaving Washington, D.C., the Nationals’ haul included Wood, among a half dozen players, on Aug. 2, 2022.